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Healthy Turkey Chili for Game Day: 5-Ingredient Perfect Recipe

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A lean, flavorful turkey chili that comes together in under 45 minutes using simple pantry staples. Perfect for game day, this dish is lighter than beef chili but packed with smoky, comforting spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (no-salt-added)
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with or without green chiles)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Corn kernels, bell peppers, hot sauce, jalapeños, or dark chocolate

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes).
  4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and beans. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  8. Remove the lid and let it cook for another 10 minutes to thicken.
  9. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not rush the browning of the turkey to ensure proper flavor development via the Maillard reaction. Toasting the spices releases their essential oils. Always rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium. The chili will thicken further as it sits. It can be made in a slow cooker by browning meat first and cooking on low for 6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, healthy chili, game day food, easy dinner, lean protein, slow cooker chili, gluten-free recipe

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/healthy-turkey-chili-for-game-day-5-ingredient-perfect-recipe/