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One-pot turkey chili with lean ground turkey, two kinds of beans, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs

High Protein Turkey Chili

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A thick one-pot turkey chili with 93% lean ground turkey, black beans, kidney beans, peppers, tomatoes, and smoky spices. One of six servings provides approximately 39 grams of protein.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus more to taste
  • Chopped cilantro for serving, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Push the vegetables toward the edges of the pot. Add the ground turkey to the center and let it sit against the hot surface for about 1 minute before breaking it into crumbles. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring as needed, until no raw areas remain and the larger pieces reach 165°F.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot as you stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the chili is thick and the flavors are blended. If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of broth or water.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime. Divide into 6 servings and garnish with cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • The nutrition estimate is based on 93% lean ground turkey, two drained and rinsed 15-ounce cans of beans, low-sodium broth, and six equal servings.
  • Use a food thermometer for ground turkey; poultry should reach 165°F.
  • For a milder chili, use mild chili powder and do not add cayenne or jalapeño. For more heat, add cayenne or minced jalapeño separately.
  • Refrigerate cooked chili within 2 hours and use most refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
  • Optional toppings such as cheese, Greek yogurt, avocado, or tortilla chips are not included in the nutrition estimate.
  • If gluten matters, choose chicken broth, canned tomatoes, beans, and spice blends that are labeled gluten free and avoid cross-contact during preparation.
  • Author: Adam Moretti
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free