Plain Old Good Chili(Low-Fat)
A hearty, low-fat chili packed with smoky spices, ground turkey, and beans, perfect for comforting gatherings and those seeking flavorful, healthy meals.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 12 lb. ground turkey
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 tsp. powdered cocoa ⓘ
- 1/4 to 2 tsp. cayenne pepper to taste
- 1/4 c. tarragon vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. strong brewed coffee ⓘ
- 28 oz. can plum tomatoes, crushed ⓘ
- 16 oz. can black beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium to high heat in a Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green pepper; sauté, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
- Add ground turkey and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until cooked through.
- Stir in flour, chili powder, ground cumin, and powdered cocoa; cook over low heat, stirring frequently for 3 minutes.
- Add crushed plum tomatoes, black beans, tarragon vinegar, brewed coffee, and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer the chili, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes until thick.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Feel free to adjust the level of cayenne pepper based on your taste; start with less and add more as desired. This chili can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Honey Graham Crackers for a sweet contrast or serve alongside cornbread for a hearty meal. For an extra kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños on top or a sprinkle of cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a bowl, covered, until heated through. The flavors will deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even more delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plain Old Good Chili(Low-Fat) contains roughly 719 calories, with 21g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (108% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% 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 a different type of meat in this chili?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Is it possible to make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors develop even further after sitting for a day. Simply prepare it as directed, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers of this chili?
Definitely! This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
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).