Healthy Turkey Chili
When the weather cools down, nothing hits the spot like a warm, comforting bowl of chili. This Healthy Turkey Chili is lean, protein-packed, and loaded with beans, veggies, and spices that make every bite rich and satisfying.
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Made with ground turkey instead of beef, it’s lighter but still hearty thanks to two kinds of beans, sweet corn, and a bold chili seasoning blend. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily made dairy-free depending on your toppings.
This healthy turkey chili comes together in less than 1 hour. It’s rich and meaty, but still light and satisfying. Make a batch on Sunday to have lunch prepped and ready to go all week. (it tastes better the next day!) This turkey chili recipe can be doubled or tripled for a crowd. Chili is the ultimate game day dish!
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family dinner, a game day favorite, or a meal prep option that reheats beautifully, this turkey chili checks all the boxes.
What You’ll Need
You can find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!
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- You’ll need a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot for this.
- 1 lb ground turkey – lean, but still flavorful.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 large onion, diced – adds depth and sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – for that aromatic kick.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes – the hearty base.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth – or chicken/vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- 15 oz can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 15 oz can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 10 oz frozen corn (optional) – adds sweetness and color.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – for concentrated flavor.
- Seasonings– chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, ground mustard
- Optional add ins– diced green bell peppers, diced jalapeño chilis, diced tomato
How To Make It
Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.
Add garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant—careful not to let it burn.
Brown the turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles, cooking for 5–7 minutes until no pink remains.
Season & build flavor:
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the meat and onions.
Add liquids & tomato base:
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Add beans & simmer:
Stir in the black beans and kidney beans. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens to your liking.
Optional corn:
If using frozen corn, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir until heated through.
Serve & enjoy:
Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings—cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, sliced green onions, avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Topping Suggestions
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
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Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
- Meal prep tip: This chili tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead for easy lunches or dinners.
This is perfect for a whole chili spread for game day. Place the chili as the main feature on your table and surround it with bowls of toppings for your guests to choose. Serve mini cornbread muffins on the side.
This Healthy Turkey Chili is the ultimate balance of comfort food and nutritious eating. It’s hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Serve it up with warm cornbread or a fresh side salad, and you’ve got a winning dinner any night of the week.
More You’ll Love
- Crock Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Italian Beef Sandwiches
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Minestrone Soup in the Slow Cooker
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
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Healthy Turkey Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant—careful not to let it burn.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles, cooking for 5–7 minutes until no pink remains.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the meat and onions.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the black beans and kidney beans. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens to your liking.
- If using frozen corn, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir until heated through.
- Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings—cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, sliced green onions, avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
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- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This is the kind of thing that tastes better the next day! Freeze up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove.
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- Add bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or your favorite vegetables to boost the nutrition.
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- Use ground beef or chicken in place of the turkey.
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- Add cooked rice or diced sweet potatoes for more heartiness.
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- Kick up the spice by adding red pepper flakes, chilis, or hot sauce.
- Topping suggestions- jalapeños, red onion, shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips.
