Description
This Simple Homemade Turkey Chili is a hearty, comforting dish featuring lean ground turkey, beans, and a flavorful blend of spices. Perfect for a wholesome meal, this chili combines savory tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound Lean Ground Turkey
- 1 can Kidney Beans (15 ounces, rinsed and drained)
- 1 can Black Beans (15 ounces, rinsed and drained)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (Diced, any color)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Liquids and Oils
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 ounces)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (15 ounces, preferably with green chilies)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent, releasing their sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to enhance the aromatic base.
- Cook turkey: Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, for 6-8 minutes until it is nicely browned and no longer pink.
- Add bell peppers: Toss in the diced bell pepper and sauté for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Toast spices: Sprinkle chili powder and ground cumin over the mixture, stirring constantly to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Add broth: Incorporate chicken broth into the pot, mixing thoroughly to unify the base of the chili.
- Add beans: Mix in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans evenly throughout the chili.
- Season: Season the chili with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for at least 30 minutes to meld all flavors.
- Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve the chili hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey keeps the chili healthy and low in fat.
- You can substitute black beans or kidney beans with your favorite beans if desired.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Simmering the chili longer can enhance the depth of flavors.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro if desired.