Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Sep 06, 2020, Updated Mar 23, 2024

5 from 8 votes

5 Comments

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This Healthy Turkey Chili recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes on the stovetop. Turkey chili is loaded with protein and veggies and bursting with flavor thanks to a homemade spice mixture. A nutritious and cozy fall meal.

Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (2)

Chili is one of our favorite fall and winter meals. We love beef chili, chicken chili, and of course I had to share our Turkey Chili Recipe with you!

This turkey chili is a healthy alternative to regular chili. It’s loaded with nutrient-dense veggies, protein-packed lean ground turkey and a homemade spice blend that’s flavorful and delicious. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese for a cozy fall dinner!

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Turkey Chili Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

One of the great things about this healthy chili recipe is that it’s very customizable! Here are some notes about the ingredients and possible substitutions!

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  • Ground turkey. The main ingredient in this turkey chili recipe. You can substitute ground chicken if necessary.
  • Minced garlic.Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, just add it with the spice blend.
  • Bell peppers.any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers.
  • Spice mixture.I have written this recipe with the spice ratios and combination that we love the most. If you change it I cannot guarantee the results. The one thing I will say is that you can add more chili powder, or some cayenne powder to increase the heat if you wish (we like mild chili).
  • Fire roasted tomatoes.I love the flavor that the fire roasted tomatoes adds to this easy turkey chili. You can substitute regular canned, diced tomatoes.
  • Kidney Beans.I use one can of kidney beans because my husband does not prefer beans, so I don’t like to make our chili too “beany.” However you can add another can (2 cans total) if you love beans. You can also use any type of beans you like. My other favorites are black beans, great northern (white) beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas)!
  • Tomato sauce.I always have canned tomato sauce on hand (to make homemade pizza sauce). But you can substitute homemade tomato sauce as well.
  • Corn.Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this turkey chili.
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How to Make Turkey Chili

Like I’ve said before, this healthy turkey chili recipe iseasy to make and only takes 30 minutes on the stovetop. As always, we’ll walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin this recipe by making the spice mixture. Simply mix the spices together in a small bowl and set them aside.

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Then, cook the ground turkey, olive oil, onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until turkey just begins to brown (7-10 minutes).

Next, add the bell peppers, cover and cook until peppers are soft (about 5 minutes).

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Once the veggies are soft, add tomatoes, tomato sauce and chilies, and the spice mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

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Then add the corn and beans and stir until combined. Cover & cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to a simmer until ready to serve.

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Serve

People often ask, “what can you add to chili?” Once your chili is finished cooking, gather your favorite fixings and get ready to serve! Some of our favorite easy chili additions and side dish companions are:

  • Green onions
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Cornbread (make cornbread muffins or the best cornbread ever)
  • Pretzel bread (try it and thank me later)
  • Croutons – the best homemade croutons or cornbread croutons (favorite).
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Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

Freeze

You can freeze this turkey chili in an airtight container for up to 2 months!

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Turkey Chili Recipe FAQs

What kind of beans go in chili?

My top three are black beans, northern (white) beans, and kidney beans.

Can you freeze turkey chili?

Absolutely. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months.

Should I drain kidney beans for chili?

Yes, all the beans should be drained and rinsed before using in this turkey chili recipe.

Is Chili healthy to eat?

This chili uses lean ground turkey, lots of veggies and beans making it a healthy meal loaded with protein, fiber and nutrients.

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If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!

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Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (14)

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Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Laura

This Healthy Turkey Chili recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes on the stovetop. Turkey chili is loaded with protein and veggies and bursting with flavor thanks to a homemade spice mixture. A nutritious and cozy fall meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10 Servings

Calories 154.9

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time25 minutes minutes

Total Time30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, sugar, sea salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Set aside.

  • Cook ground turkey, olive oil, onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until turkey just begins to brown (7-10 minutes).

  • Add bell peppers, cover and cook until peppers are soft (about 5 minutes).

  • Add tomatoes, tomato sauce and chilies and stir until evenly distributed.

  • Add spice mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

  • Add corn and beans and stir until combined.

  • Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to a simmer until ready to serve.

  • Serve with your favorite chili fixings! Our favorites include: sour cream, green onions, cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips!

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Ground turkey. You can substitute ground chicken if desired.
  • Minced garlic.Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, just add it with the spice blend.
  • Bell peppers.any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers.
  • Spice mixture. You can add more chili powder, or some cayenne powder to increase the heat if you wish (we like mild chili). Or use a packet of chili seasoning for ease.
  • Fire roasted tomatoes. Regular canned, diced tomatoes can be used in place of fire-roasted.
  • Kidney Beans. You can add another can (2 cans total) if you love beans. You can also use any type of beans you like. My other favorites are black beans, great northern (white) beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas)!
  • Tomato sauce. Homemade tomato sauce can be used in place of canned.
  • Corn.Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this turkey chili.

Store/Freeze

Store this turkey c hili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 154.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 12.3g | Fat: 5.8g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 588.7mg | Potassium: 388.8mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 5.6g | Vitamin A: 40.4IU | Vitamin C: 92.6mg | Calcium: 3.5mg | Iron: 14mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What to add to chili to make it healthy? ›

"By adding extra veggies you'll increase nutrients, fiber, and satisfaction," the twins say. "Bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, crushed tomatoes, onions, and carrots are all great choices."

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

How many calories in a bowl of homemade turkey chili? ›

Turkey Chili With Beans (1 cup) contains 19.3g total carbs, 13.7g net carbs, 7.5g fat, 19.4g protein, and 218 calories.

Is turkey chili healthier than beef? ›

Turkey chili is much lighter and lower in calories. Most recipes call for ground turkey, which doesn't have nearly the fat content of beef. The turkey meat you'll find at the grocery store contains 15%, 7%, or even no fat.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What happens when you add sugar to chili? ›

Why is sugar used in this chili recipe? Sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes used in my homemade chili recipe. Using a small amount of sugar balances the flavors which in turn creates a smoother and richer taste overall.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What is one serving of Turkey Chili? ›

Turkey Chili - 1 bowl (about 2 cups)

Can I eat ground turkey everyday? ›

Protein is a macronutrient, which means that your body needs a lot of it. Your body can't store protein, so you need to consume it every day. As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin.

Which chili is the healthiest? ›

Best: Pacific Foods Plant-Based Fire Roasted Vegetable Chili

This is because the vegetarian ingredients pack loads of fiber and still meet our minimum protein recommendations. Although this option falls a little short at 8 grams of fiber per cup, eating a full can will fill you up with 15 grams and only 360 calories.

What is the healthiest ground meat to eat? ›

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

Can homemade chili be healthy? ›

In general, chili is seen as a healthy food since chili contains ingredients from key food groups. If you want to build a healthier bowl of beef chili, choose lean ground beef. Reducing the fat content in the meat is important for heart health and can lower your risk of developing diabetes.

How do you doctor up chili? ›

Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.
  1. Adding beer to your chili can make it more complex. ...
  2. Mix in cocoa for a deeper flavor. ...
  3. Fresh, chopped ingredients are excellent chili toppings. ...
  4. You can also top your meal with cooked bacon. ...
  5. Roast and mix in some chiles.
Oct 16, 2022

Is chili OK for weight loss? ›

Helps with weight loss

Other studies show that chili peppers can increase metabolism and help you burn off the calories you do eat. While eating them by themselves may not lead to a significant change in your weight, using them with your doctor-approved weight loss plan may help you see results more quickly.

What can I add to canned chili to make it better? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

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