Turkey Vegetable Chili(Eat Healthy)
A hearty and healthy turkey vegetable chili packed with flavors from tomatoes, spices, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves chopped garlic ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked turkey or chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 16 oz can whole tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 10 oz package frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 2 cups zucchini, cut in 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bell peppers, onion, and garlic in oil in a 3-quart pan over medium heat, stirring often, until the onion is tender.
- Stir in the cooked turkey or chicken, water, oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and the can of undrained whole tomatoes. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and zucchini slices.
- Heat to boiling again, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until the zucchini is crisp-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using lean ground turkey instead of cooked turkey or chicken. You can also add additional spices like smoked paprika for extra flavor. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with canned beans or lentils, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey vegetable chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread for a hearty meal or alongside a fresh salad. For a full spread, consider serving it with Holiday Brussels Sprouts for a festive touch or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. This chili also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Vegetable Chili(Eat Healthy) contains roughly 117 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% 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?
Absolutely! While turkey is a great option, you can substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or even pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations to ensure they're fully cooked.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To up the heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when cooking. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust gradually to avoid overwhelming the dish.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chili is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and its flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day. Prepare a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just make sure to keep the toppings separate until serving to maintain freshness.
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).