Healthy Easy One-Pot Turkey Chili (Printable)

Hearty chili combining lean turkey, beans, and fresh vegetables, perfect for quick, wholesome cooking.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
06 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
08 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Beans

09 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Spices and Seasoning

11 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Green onions, sliced
19 - Low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
20 - Greek yogurt or light sour cream
21 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
02 - Add diced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, chicken broth, black beans, and kidney beans. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and vegetables become tender.
06 - Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with desired toppings.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a one-pot miracle that means less scrubbing and more time actually enjoying dinner.
  • Lean turkey keeps things light while beans deliver the protein and fiber that actually keeps you satisfied.
  • The spice blend tastes like it took hours, but you'll have everything simmering in under fifty minutes.
02 -
  • Rinsing your canned beans isn't optional if you want a chili that looks clear rather than murky—the starch coating matters more than you'd expect.
  • Season at the end, not the beginning, because the tomato paste and tomatoes contribute saltiness that reveals itself only after simmering.
03 -
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot so the chili simmers evenly without scorching on the bottom.
  • If your chili seems too thin after simmering, leave the lid off for the last five minutes to let excess liquid reduce.
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