There’s just something so satisfying about a big bowl of warm, comforting food, isn’t there? And when that comfort food is actually *good* for you? Even better! I mean, who doesn’t love a hearty chili? But sometimes, you just want something that won’t weigh you down. That’s where this Hearty Lean Turkey Chili comes in – all the flavor, none of the guilt!
Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s lean, it’s healthy, and it’s packed with so much flavor you won’t even miss the extra fat. Trust me on this one! Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make – perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something quick and delicious. Think of it as your secret weapon for healthy eating without sacrificing taste. This Hearty Lean Turkey Chili is gonna be your new best friend.
I always crave chili when the weather starts to turn chilly (haha, get it?). There’s nothing like curling up on the couch with a steaming bowl and a good movie. And knowing that I’m actually doing something good for my body while I’m at it? Total win!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Quick and Easy Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Seriously, you can whip this up even on your busiest nights! Minimal chopping, everything goes into one pot… cleanup is a breeze. What’s not to love?
Flavor-Packed Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Don’t let the “lean” part fool you – this chili is bursting with flavor! All those spices, the tomatoes, the corn… it’s a party in your mouth, I swear!
Healthy and Lean Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
We’re talking *lean* turkey here, people! Packed with protein, low in fat… you can feel good about eating a big bowl of this. It’s like a hug for your body!
Budget-Friendly Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
This recipe uses ingredients you can actually *afford*. No fancy, expensive stuff here, just good, wholesome food that won’t break the bank. Score!
Ingredients for Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Okay, let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Hearty Lean Turkey Chili. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have in your pantry!
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey (99%)
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
And for topping? Go wild! Cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream… whatever makes your heart sing!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
So, a few notes on the ingredients… First off, that extra lean ground turkey is key for keeping this chili healthy. But hey, if you only have ground chicken on hand, that works too! As for the beans, I’m a kidney bean kinda gal, but feel free to swap ’em out for black beans or pinto beans – whatever floats your boat. And that chili powder? I usually use McCormick, but just be careful, because some brands can be *spicy*. Start with less and add more to taste. You can always add, but you can’t take away!
How to Prepare Hearty Lean Turkey Chili: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this Hearty Lean Turkey Chili is super easy to make. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl in no time! I promise, even if you’re not a super experienced cook, you can totally nail this.
Sautéing Aromatics for Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
First, grab your favorite large pot and drizzle in that olive oil. Heat it up over medium-high heat. Then, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them to get nice and soft and release all those yummy aromas! Seriously, this is the foundation of flavor right here.
Browning the Turkey and Adding Spices for Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Next, add the ground turkey to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook it until it’s no longer pink. Then, it’s spice time! Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir everything together for about 20 seconds. This helps to “bloom” the spices and really bring out their flavor. Mmm, getting hungry yet?
Simmering the Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn. Give it all a good stir. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The flavors meld together, and the chili thickens up beautifully. Patience, my friend, patience!
Seasoning and Serving Your Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Okay, time for the taste test! Give your Hearty Lean Turkey Chili a good stir and take a spoonful. Does it need more salt? Maybe a pinch more cayenne for a little extra kick? Adjust the seasonings to your liking! Now, grab your favorite bowl and load it up with chili. And don’t forget the toppings! Cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream… the possibilities are endless! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Want to take your Hearty Lean Turkey Chili from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, taste as you go! The spice level is totally adjustable, so don’t be afraid to experiment. And keep an eye on it while it’s simmering! If it starts to stick to the bottom of the pot, turn the heat down a notch and stir it more frequently. Nobody wants burnt chili, yuck!
Variations on Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Hearty Lean Turkey Chili, and you’re loving it. But maybe you’re feeling adventurous? Wanna mix things up a bit? I got you! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative! How about adding some diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies? Or maybe swap out the kidney beans for black beans or cannellini beans? Ooh, and if you’re feeling spicy, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can really kick things up a notch! The sky’s the limit, people!
Serving Suggestions for Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Hearty Lean Turkey Chili, but what do you serve *with* it? Well, let me tell you, the possibilities are endless! My personal favorite? A big hunk of warm, buttery cornbread. Seriously, that sweet and savory combo is just *chef’s kiss*! But a simple side salad works great too, especially if you want to keep things light. And if you’re feeling extra hungry, a scoop of rice underneath the chili is always a good idea!
Storing and Reheating Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
So, you’ve made a big batch of this Hearty Lean Turkey Chili (good for you!), and you’ve got leftovers? Awesome! This stuff tastes even better the next day, I swear. Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Or, if you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 2-3 months! When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave it or heat it up on the stovetop until it’s nice and bubbly. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Hearty Lean Turkey Chili
Just a heads-up: the nutrition info can change depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are, so don’t take these numbers as gospel, okay?
Hearty Lean Turkey Chili FAQs
Got questions about this Hearty Lean Turkey Chili? I bet you do! Here are a few of the most common ones I get. Hopefully, this clears things up!
Can I make Hearty Lean Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are perfect for chili! Just reduce the chicken broth to 1/2 cup (you don’t want it too watery!). Brown the turkey and onions first – trust me, it makes a difference. Then, dump everything into the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. Easy peasy!
How can I adjust the spice level of my Hearty Lean Turkey Chili?
Spice it up (or down!) to your liking! If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder and skip the cayenne pepper altogether. If you like it hot, add an extra pinch of cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away, so start slow!
Can I freeze Hearty Lean Turkey Chili?
Yep! This chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot. Dinner is served!
Try Hearty Lean Turkey Chili Today!
Okay, seriously, what are you waiting for?! Go make this Hearty Lean Turkey Chili! I promise you won’t regret it. And hey, if you try it, come back and leave a comment! Let me know what you think! Or even better, snap a pic and share it on social media! Don’t forget to tag me – I wanna see your chili masterpieces!
Print
Hearty Lean Turkey Chili: Craveable Comfort in 30
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This recipe provides instructions for making a hearty and lean turkey chili, perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey or chicken (99%)
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
- For topping: cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions
- Place oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper; sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add ground turkey and break it up; cook until no longer pink. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt; stir for about 20 seconds.
- Add tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until chili thickens and flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.
- Garnish with desired toppings. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Chili powder spiciness can vary. If using a different brand than McCormick, start with 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder.
- For slow cooker preparation: Reduce chicken broth to 1/2 cup, brown turkey and onions before adding to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 336
- Sugar: 9.5g
- Sodium: Variable
- Fat: 3.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46.7g
- Fiber: 17.4g
- Protein: 31.8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
