Hearty Turkey Chili Bowl (Printer-friendly)
A protein-rich turkey bowl blending beans and spices for a warm, comforting main dish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
07 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp dried oregano
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - ¼ tsp black pepper
16 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded cheddar cheese
20 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
21 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño if using, and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with juices, kidney beans, black beans, and broth. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot garnished with your preferred toppings.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.
- The lean turkey keeps it light without sacrificing that deep, warming richness you want from chili.
- Leftovers somehow get better overnight, which means lunch is already handled.
02 -
- Don't skip toasting the spices in the pot before adding liquids. That one minute completely changes the depth of flavor.
- If your chili looks thin, just let it simmer a little longer uncovered. You can also mash a few spoonfuls of beans against the side of the pot to thicken it naturally.
03 -
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens everything up and balances the richness.
- If you like it spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce at the end instead of more cayenne.