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Healthy Turkey Chili: Best Game Day Recipe

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A hearty, smoky, and healthy turkey chili that is perfect for game day. It uses lean ground turkey, beans, and a secret touch of cocoa powder for deep flavor without the heaviness of traditional beef chili.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen corn

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon; cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink.
  6. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder; stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  7. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  9. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and bay leaf; stir to combine.
  10. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  12. If too thin, simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes to reduce.

Notes

The cocoa powder adds depth and richness similar to mole sauce without making the chili taste like chocolate. For a vegetarian option, swap turkey for extra beans or plant-based meat. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check spice blends for hidden wheat. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy turkey chili, game day recipe, lean protein, slow cooker friendly, gluten-free, comfort food, football food

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/healthy-turkey-chili-best-game-day-recipe/