Print

Cozy 20-Minute Healthy Turkey Chili – Best Easy Dinner

healthy turkey chili - featured image
Print Recipe

This quick and healthy turkey chili comes together in just 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor without the long simmering time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crust.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent and softened, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.
  4. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using) over the meat and vegetables. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  6. Stir in the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 2 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t skip browning the turkey properly and blooming the spices in hot oil. The chili tastes even better the next day. For a milder version, skip the cayenne and use mild chili powder. For extra heat, add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, healthy chili, 20-minute chili, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-20-minute-healthy-turkey-chili-best-easy-dinner/