Low-Fat Turkey Chili
A hearty, low-fat turkey chili with bold flavors, perfect for healthy comfort food. Ideal for families and those seeking a nutritious, satisfying meal with rice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 3 (14.5 oz.) cans Contadina Recipe Ready tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (40 oz.) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can no salt tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground red cayenne pepper ⓘ
- fresh ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. Healthy Choice nonfat shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- white rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, dried parsley flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, ground red cayenne pepper, and black pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Contadina tomatoes, tomato sauce, and rinsed kidney beans to the pot.
- Add bay leaf and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot over cooked white rice and top with shredded nonfat Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can blend a portion of the beans before adding them. Substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if desired. You can also try using different beans or even lentils to add variety. This dish is a healthier alternative to traditional chili and pairs wonderfully with white rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey chili hot over cooked white rice, and top each bowl with a sprinkle of Healthy Choice nonfat shredded Cheddar cheese. For added flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or diced avocados. This dish pairs well with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Turkey Chili contains roughly 1181 calories, with 40g protein, 281g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (412% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% 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 make this turkey chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the turkey, onion, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This low-fat turkey chili is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and portion it out into individual containers. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on when you plan to eat it.
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute the red kidney beans with other beans such as black beans or pinto beans. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the chili. You can even mix different beans for added variety. This flexibility makes it a great option for personalizing your chili experience.
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).