Turkey-Vegetable Chili
A hearty turkey and vegetable chili packed with bold flavors like chili powder, cumin, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting, healthy meal that suits any casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 15 oz. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely chopped tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. raisins ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. no-salt-added tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. diced mild green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 4 oz. canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Warm 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan until hot, but not smoking.
- Add the ground turkey and brown it.
- Remove the turkey from the pan and drain excess fat.
- Add remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan and sauté chopped onions and bell pepper until golden, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, minced garlic, and ground cumin.
- Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes with juice, raisins, tomato paste, green chilies, and salt to the pan.
- Return the cooked turkey to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add kidney beans and corn kernels to the chili.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the last ingredients are heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some smoked paprika. If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute the ground turkey with textured vegetable protein or lentils. You can also mix in other vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and try using beans like black beans for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. It goes well with cornbread or over a bed of rice. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped cilantro or avocado. This dish pairs beautifully with Weight Watchers Quick Chili for a fun chili night.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 reheat in the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes depending on the portion size.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey-Vegetable Chili contains roughly 843 calories, with 28g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2469mg per serving (107% 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 other types of meat in this chili?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Each option will bring a different flavor profile, so choose according to your preference and dietary needs.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You could also increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper to the mix. Adjust gradually to achieve your desired spice level.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a convenient and delicious meal.
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).