Tops-Style Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with turkey, green beans, mushrooms, and vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal that suits busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Add the mushrooms, chopped celery, green beans, chopped green pepper, pepper, and chili powder to the cooked turkey.
- Pour in the tomato juice and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 1 hour to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try browning the ground turkey with garlic and onion before adding the other ingredients. You can substitute ground beef or chicken if desired. Adding a can of diced tomatoes can enhance the texture. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference. If you like a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Meat Loaf or cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider adding a side salad for freshness or some tortilla chips for crunch. This dish is also great for meal prep, as the flavors only improve after a day in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring every minute until hot. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tops-Style Chili contains roughly 112 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% 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 canned green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, canned green beans can be used as a convenient substitute. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the chili. They won't need as much cooking time, so add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans such as kidney or black beans. You can also boost the vegetable content by adding diced zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread. A simple side of coleslaw or a green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty 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).