Low Cholesterol-Low Fat Chili
A hearty, low cholesterol and low fat chili packed with lean turkey, vegetables, and bold flavors. Perfect for health-conscious eaters or those looking for a flavorful, guilt-free meal. The combination of spices and beans creates a comforting dish suitable for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. turkey burgers or 1 lb. skinned and boned turkey breast ⓘ
- 1 medium diced onion ⓘ
- 1 small diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic (or garlic powder) ⓘ
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 large (15 oz.) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a pan.
- Add diced onion, green pepper, garlic, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and chili powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cumin or smoked paprika. If you prefer a spicier chili, include diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the turkey with lean ground beef or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. This chili is versatile like other Mexican recipes, so feel free to modify the beans or vegetables to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili topped with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy touch. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try it with chips or as a filling for tacos. This dish is similar to Lo-Fat Chili, making it a great low-calorie option for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through. This chili also freezes well; store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Cholesterol-Low Fat Chili contains roughly 507 calories, with 31g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2592mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding them to the chili. This will add some extra time to your preparation, but it can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a splash of lime juice or a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Additionally, experimenting with different spices like oregano or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile of your chili.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This low cholesterol-low fat chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for the week. It's easy to reheat and makes for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner option.
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).