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Easy Healthy Turkey Chili with White Beans Recipe

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A hearty and flavorful turkey chili with white beans that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for game days, casual dinner parties, or any time you need to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1½ cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Diced avocado (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place your pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a sear, then stir and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until fully browned.
  4. Toast the spices: Push the turkey to one side. Add the tomato paste to the empty space and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and let toast for 30-60 seconds.
  5. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Add the beans: Fold in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove lid and simmer for another 10 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
  8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat level. Add a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
  9. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with garnishes.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t rush the browning of the turkey and toast the spices. The chili improves overnight and can be made ahead. For a thicker chili, mash half a can of beans before adding. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, white bean chili, healthy chili, easy chili recipe, game day chili, crowd-pleaser chili