Healthy Chili

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

Healthy chili offers a flavorful and nourishing meal with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it combines the heat of chili powder with the freshness of tomatoes and cilantro, making it suitable for those seeking a wholesome, low-fat option.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 3 small fresh tomatoes
  • 2 or 3 sprigs cilantro
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

Instructions

  1. Saute ground turkey, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper in a skillet sprayed with Pam.
  2. Peel tomatoes, chop them, and add to the turkey mixture along with cilantro and chili powder.
  3. Stir the mixture, add bouillon cubes and water.
  4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or black beans. Fresh herbs like parsley can replace cilantro if desired. To enhance flavor, try using homemade beef broth instead of bouillon cubes. This recipe is a great alternative to Low Cholesterol-Low Fat Chili.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili hot, garnished with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, consider topping with avocado or shredded cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, similar to My Favorite Chili.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Healthy Chili contains roughly 308 calories, with 13g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (267% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 751mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

308 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.1g 26% DV
Total Fat 11.5g 15% DV
Carbs 47g 17% DV
Fiber 11g 39% DV
Sugar 10.8g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 750.7mg 33% DV
Potassium 1993.7mg 42% DV
Cholesterol 5.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 447.4mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 240.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 459.8mg 35% DV
Iron 16.7mg 93% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. The cooking time remains the same, but chicken may offer a slightly different flavor. Make sure to choose lean ground chicken to keep the dish healthy.

What can I add for more vegetables?

You can incorporate various vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or corn to add more nutrition and texture to the chili. Simply chop and sauté them along with the onion and bell pepper for an extra boost of flavor and color.

Is this chili suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili is ideal for meal prep. It stores well and flavors improve over time. Simply make a large batch, portion it into containers, and refrigerate or freeze for quick meals throughout the week.

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).

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