"Chili" California Style
A hearty California-style chili packed with ground turkey, kidney beans, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for satisfying a crowd with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray deep skillet with Pam.
- Brown ground turkey in the skillet and add chili mix; set aside.
- In a blender, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, and tomato soup; set aside.
- Cut up all of the vegetables: green bell pepper, celery, red onion, and chili peppers.
- In a large 6-quart saucepan, add the cooked ground turkey.
- Slowly pour in the blended liquids into the saucepan.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add all the finely chopped vegetables to the saucepan.
- Stir the mixture.
- Add the red kidney beans with juice and stir.
- Add 1 cup of purified water and stir again.
- Add fresh garlic and cook for 2 hours on medium, stirring often.
- Serve hot with a salad and Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicier chili mix. If you don't have ground turkey, lean beef or plant-based alternatives can work well. Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can enhance flavor, but you'll need to adjust cooking times accordingly. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed, especially if you prefer a stronger chili flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping, and a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. You can also top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Flavored Rice for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the chili thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Chili" California Style contains roughly 251 calories, with 23g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. At about 251 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute red kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just keep in mind that different beans may alter the flavor and texture slightly, but they'll still work well in the overall dish.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, simply replace the ground turkey with a combination of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and corn for additional flavor and nutrition.
How spicy is this chili recipe?
The spice level of this chili depends on the type and amount of chili peppers you use, as well as the chili mix. Start with a small amount of chili peppers and gradually add more to reach your desired heat level, especially if you're serving it to guests with varying spice preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).