Skinny Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili with lean turkey, beans, and spicy Mexican sauce, perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal suited for casual or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the ground turkey and turkey sausage slices in a skillet coated with Pam until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Drain the kidney beans and white beans, but do not rinse them.
- Add the beans, Mexican chili sauce, and diced tomatoes to the cooked meat and stir.
- Cook slowly until the mixture is hot all the way through.
- Serve the chili in bowls, sprinkled with shredded Alpine Lace cheese and chopped tomato.
- Top with chopped onion and add hot sauce to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin and chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey with lean beef or chicken for a different taste. If you want more heat, use spicy turkey sausage or add diced jalapeños. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with additional beans or lentils. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Low-Fat Turkey Chili and can be topped with avocado, cilantro, or sour cream for added richness. This dish is ideal for meal prep and can also be frozen for up to three months. Serve with a fresh salad for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skinny Chili contains roughly 659 calories, with 41g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and iron (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1089mg per serving (47% 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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match beans based on your preference. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can work well. Just ensure you maintain the same total volume of beans to keep the texture consistent.
Is this chili spicy?
The heat level largely depends on the type of hot sauce you use and if you choose to add any spicy ingredients like jalapeños. For a milder version, start with a small amount of hot sauce and add more to taste once the chili is cooked.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the turkey and sausage in a skillet first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a delicious chili.
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).