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    Home » Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

    Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

    Published: Sep 6, 2020 · Modified: Nov 8, 2021 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Healthy Turkey Chili recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes on the stovetop. Turkey chili is loaded with protein and veggies and bursting with flavor thanks to a homemade spice mixture. A nutritious and cozy fall meal. 

    overhead view of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese, chips and green onions

    Chili is one of our favorite fall and winter meals. We love beef chili, chicken chili, and of course I had to share our Turkey Chili Recipe with you! 

    This turkey chili is a healthy alternative to regular chili. It's loaded with nutrient-dense veggies, protein-packed lean ground turkey and a homemade spice blend that's flavorful and delicious. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese for a cozy fall dinner! 

    Turkey Chili Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions 

    One of the great things about this healthy chili recipe is that it's very customizable! Here are some notes about the ingredients and possible substitutions!

    Overhead view of the ingredients in this turkey chili recipe
    • Ground turkey. The main ingredient in this turkey chili recipe. You can substitute ground chicken if necessary. 
    • Minced garlic. Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, just add it with the spice blend. 
    • Bell peppers. any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers.
    • Spice mixture. I have written this recipe with the spice ratios and combination that we love the most. If you change it I cannot guarantee the results. The one thing I will say is that you can add more chili powder, or some cayenne powder to increase the heat if you wish (we like mild chili). 
    • Fire roasted tomatoes. I love the flavor that the fire roasted tomatoes adds to this easy turkey chili. You can substitute regular canned, diced tomatoes.
    • Kidney Beans. I use one can of kidney beans because my husband does not prefer beans, so I don't like to make our chili too "beany." However you can add another can (2 cans total) if you love beans. You can also use any type of beans you like. My other favorites are black beans, great northern (white) beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas)!
    • Tomato sauce. I always have canned tomato sauce on hand (to make homemade pizza sauce). But you can substitute homemade tomato sauce as well.
    • Corn. Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this turkey chili.
    overhead view of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese, chips and green onions

    How to make turkey chili

    Like I've said before, this healthy turkey chili recipe is easy to make and only takes 30 minutes on the stovetop. As always, we'll walk through the process step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video.

    Make the spice mixture

    Begin this recipe by making the spice mixture. Simply mix the spices together in a small bowl and set them aside. 

    overhead view of the chili spice mixture for this turkey chili recipe

    Cook the Turkey, Onion & Garlic

    Cook ground turkey, olive oil, onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until turkey just begins to brown (7-10  minutes).

    Add peppers

    Next, add the bell peppers, cover and cook until peppers are soft (about 5 minutes).

    two overhead photos showing how to make turkey chili

    Add tomatoes & spices

    Once the veggies are soft, add tomatoes, tomato sauce and chilies, and the spice mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Turkey Chili

    Add corn & beans & cook

    Add corn and beans and stir until combined. Cover & cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to a simmer until ready to serve.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Turkey Chili

    Serve

    People often ask,  "what can you add to chili?"  Once your chili is finished cooking, gather your favorite fixings and get ready to serve! Some of our favorite easy chili additions and side dish companions are: 

    • Green onions
    • sour cream
    • shredded cheddar cheese
    • crushed tortilla chips
    • cornbread (make these: healthy skillet cornbread, or the best cornbread ever)
    • pretzel bread (try it and thank me later)
    • Croutons - the best homemade croutons or cornbread croutons (favorite).
    overhead photo of a pot of turkey chili with a spoon

    Store

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. 

    Freeze

    You can freeze this turkey chili in an airtight container for up to 2 months!

    Recipe FAQs

    What kind of beans go in chili?

    My top three are black beans, northern (white) beans, and kidney beans.

    Can you freeze turkey chili?

    Absolutely. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months.

    Should I drain kidney beans for chili?

    Yes, all the beans should be drained and rinsed before using in this turkey chili recipe.

    Is Chili healthy to eat?

    This chili uses lean ground turkey, lots of veggies and beans making it a healthy meal loaded with protein, fiber and nutrients.

    Overhead photo of a bowl of turkey chili with sour cream, cheese and green onions

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

    Laura
    This Healthy Turkey Chili recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes on the stovetop. Turkey chili is loaded with protein and veggies and bursting with flavor thanks to a homemade spice mixture. A nutritious and cozy fall meal. 
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 Servings
    Calories 154.9 kcal

    Equipment

    • large pot
    • measuring spoons
    • spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb. ground turkey
    • 1 TBS olive oil
    • ½ cup onion diced
    • 2 bell peppers diced
    • 1 tsp minced garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 2 tsp ground cumin
    • ½ tsp coriander
    • 2 TBS paprika
    • 1 ½ TBS chili powder
    • 1 tsp granulated sugar
    • ½ tsp sea salt or more to taste
    • ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
    • 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
    • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
    • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
    • 1 (14 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
    • ½ cup corn fresh or frozen & thawed

    Instructions
     

    • Mix cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, sugar, sea salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Set aside.
    • Cook ground turkey, olive oil, onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until turkey just begins to brown (7-10 minutes).
    • Add bell peppers, cover and cook until peppers are soft (about 5 minutes).
    • Add tomatoes, tomato sauce and chilies and stir until evenly distributed.
    • Add spice mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
    • Add corn and beans and stir until combined.
    • Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to a simmer until ready to serve.
    • Serve with your favorite chili fixings! Our favorites include: sour cream, green onions, cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips!

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Ground turkey. You can substitute ground chicken if desired. 
    • Minced garlic. Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, just add it with the spice blend. 
    • Bell peppers. any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers.
    • Spice mixture. You can add more chili powder, or some cayenne powder to increase the heat if you wish (we like mild chili). Or use a packet of chili seasoning for ease. 
    • Fire roasted tomatoes. Regular canned, diced tomatoes can be used in place of fire-roasted. 
    • Kidney Beans. You can add another can (2 cans total) if you love beans. You can also use any type of beans you like. My other favorites are black beans, great northern (white) beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas)!
    • Tomato sauce. Homemade tomato sauce can be used in place of canned.
    • Corn. Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this turkey chili.

    Store/Freeze

    Store this turkey c hili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 154.9kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 12.3gFat: 5.8gSaturated Fat: 1.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.1gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 588.7mgPotassium: 388.8mgFiber: 5.1gSugar: 5.6gVitamin A: 40.4IUVitamin C: 92.6mgCalcium: 3.5mgIron: 14mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More delicious recipes

    • This crockpot chicken chili is one of our all-time favorites. Every time I take a meal to a friend, it's this chicken chili. 
    • If you're in the mood for beef chili, this recipe is easy and delicious. 
    • Try this slow cooker white bean chicken chili - it's creamy, cheesy and delicious.
    • We love this Slow Cooker Ground Turkey with an Asian flare. It's delicious served over rice.
    • Ground turkey stuffed peppers are another delicious, healthy weeknight meal! 
    • Italian Turkey Meatballs are a healthy appetizer or main dish! YUM!

    The photos in this post were taken by the talented Jamie from Dishing out Health!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruth

      January 09, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      Made this recipe for the first time today. It will be the first of many times. So easy, inexpensive, and healthy, what more could you ask for. Thank you so much for sharing your talents.

      Reply
    2. Lennie Gail

      November 18, 2020 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      This was so delicious! I have been using another simple chili recipe that I felt lacked flavor, but this one certainly does not! I also love that it is packed with veggies. I made mine with one can of kidney beans and one can of black beans. I left out the corn because I'm not a fan of corn. I also added about 3/4 cup of bone broth because I felt it needed a bit more liquid. For the sugar, I used coconut sugar.
      So yummy! I am the only one in the house that will eat it, so I will definitely be freezing some.

      Reply
    3. Susie

      November 08, 2020 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      This is a delicious recipe, it is now a regular in our house. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 08, 2020 at 1:06 pm

        So glad you love it Susie!

        Reply

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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