Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lean Protein: Utilizes ground turkey, providing a healthier alternative to higher-fat meats.
- Rich Flavor: A blend of spices and ingredients like taco seasoning, coriander, oregano, and chili pepper flakes infuses the chili with deep, complex flavors.
- Vegetable-Packed: Incorporates zucchini, green bell peppers, and onions, adding nutritional value and texture.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
- 1 (7 ounce) can salsa
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced
For Serving:
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large stock pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with taco seasoning mix, coriander, oregano, chili pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook until the meat is well-browned.
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Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the salsa, crushed tomatoes, and chopped green chile peppers. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust the thickness by adding water if necessary.
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Sauté Vegetables: In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper is lightly browned.
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Incorporate Zucchini: In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes until lightly browned.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the sautéed onion, bell pepper, and zucchini to the chili mixture in the stock pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
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Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Bean Addition: For added fiber and texture, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans (chickpeas) to the chili.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the amount of chili pepper flakes and green chile peppers to suit your heat preference.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for a vegetarian version.
- Slow Cooker Method: After browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding water to reach desired consistency, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute. Opt for lean cuts to maintain a healthier dish.
2. Is this chili spicy?
The recipe includes spices that add warmth but not excessive heat. Adjust the chili pepper flakes and green chile peppers to suit your spice tolerance.
3. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day.
4. How can I thicken the chili?
Simmering the chili uncovered will allow it to thicken. Alternatively, mash some of the beans or add a slurry of cornstarch and water
Terrific Turkey Chili
Terrific Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish made with lean ground turkey, a variety of vegetables, and a blend of spices that give it deep, rich flavors. This healthier twist on traditional chili is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
- 1 (7 ounce) can salsa
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced
For Serving:
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Cook the Ground Turkey:
- In a large stock pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Season with taco seasoning mix, coriander, oregano, chili pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook until the meat is well-browned.
-
Add Liquids and Simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth and simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in salsa, crushed tomatoes, and chopped green chile peppers. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, adjusting thickness with water if necessary.
-
Sauté Vegetables:
- In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is lightly browned.
-
Incorporate Zucchini:
- In the same skillet, add sliced zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
-
Combine and Simmer:
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the chili mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese
Notes
- Bean Addition: Add a can of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans (chickpeas) for added fiber and texture.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the chili pepper flakes and green chile peppers to suit your preferred spice level.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or more beans for a vegetarian version.
- Slow Cooker Method: Brown the turkey and sauté vegetables, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
