Turkey Chili with Black Beans (Printable)
A comforting blend of ground turkey, black beans, and spices that creates a protein-rich meal suitable for any season.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
07 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
→ Beans
08 - 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
15 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
→ Optional Toppings
16 - Chopped cilantro
17 - Sliced green onions
18 - Shredded cheddar cheese
19 - Sour cream
20 - Lime wedges
# Steps:
01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring to break up the meat, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
02 - Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 4–5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The lean turkey and protein-packed black beans create a satisfying meal that doesnt leave you feeling weighed down like traditional chili sometimes can.
- You can adjust the heat level exactly to your preference, making it family-friendly or spicy enough to clear your sinuses.
02 -
- Browning the turkey thoroughly before adding other ingredients creates a much richer flavor base, a step I embarrassingly skipped my first few attempts.
- Adding the spices to the pot before the liquid ingredients and letting them toast for about a minute releases their essential oils and transforms the entire dish.
03 -
- If youre sensitive to spice but still want flavor, remove the ribs and seeds from your jalapeño but keep the flesh, which offers bright pepper taste without excessive heat.
- A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder stirred in during the last 10 minutes of cooking adds remarkable depth without making the chili taste like chocolate.