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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh The heart of this turkey chili lies in its fresh veggies and lean protein. Ground turkey gives the chili a light texture while soaking up flavors. You can pick any color bell pepper you like. Zucchini and carrot add nice sweetness. Corn brings a pop of color and taste. - 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, with juice - 2 cups vegetable broth Canned ingredients make this recipe quick and easy. Black and kidney beans boost protein and fiber. Diced tomatoes add a rich base. Vegetable broth ties all the flavors together while keeping it hearty. - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Spices transform simple ingredients into a flavorful dish. Chili powder gives the chili its signature kick. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note. Smoked paprika gives a gentle smokiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite exciting. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing onion and garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. The aroma will be delightful! - Browning the ground turkey: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds flavor and depth to your chili. - Incorporating bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot: Next, stir in 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 diced carrot. - Sautéing until softened: Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes. The veggies should begin to soften and blend together. This step helps build a rich base for your chili. - Mixing in beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices: Add 1 can of drained black beans, 1 can of drained kidney beans, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in 1 cup of corn, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Simmering the chili: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning if needed. If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer longer to reduce. To get the best flavor from your chili, seasoning is key. Always taste your chili as it cooks. Add salt and pepper in small amounts, adjusting to your preference. Fresh herbs make a big difference. I love using cilantro or parsley as a garnish. They add color and a burst of freshness. The simmering time affects the chili's thickness. If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer longer. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can use different beans for variety. Black beans and kidney beans add great texture. Try pinto beans for a twist! For sides, tortilla chips are perfect. They add crunch and pair well. Cornbread is another great option. To present your chili, serve it hot in bowls. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top makes it look fancy. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey to keep the chili lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture. Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce, depending on your taste preferences. Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a quick meal. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth. Most canned beans are already gluten-free, but check labels. You can also add more veggies or legumes. Try adding chopped spinach, kale, or even sweet potatoes. These changes boost nutrients and flavor. If you like spicy chili, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy chili powder for an extra kick. To make it milder, skip the spicy ingredients. You can add a dollop of sour cream to cool it down. You can transform this chili into chili mac by stirring in cooked pasta. This makes a hearty meal that kids love. If you have leftovers, use them in burritos or on nachos. Chili also works well in omelettes for breakfast! Store your leftover veggie loaded turkey chili in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chili cools down before you put it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh longer. You can store it for up to four days. Label the container with the date to keep track. To freeze chili, let it cool completely. Then, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can. This keeps the chili tasty and avoids freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, heat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. In the fridge, chili lasts about four days. If you see any mold or smell something off, throw it away. These are clear signs of spoilage. Always check before you eat leftovers to stay safe. Yes, you can use ground beef in this chili. Ground beef has a richer flavor and a different texture. It tends to be fattier than turkey, which can make your chili taste a bit different. If you choose beef, drain the fat after cooking. This step helps keep your chili from being too greasy. To make this chili vegetarian, swap the turkey for more beans or lentils. Black beans and kidney beans work great. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra protein, try adding tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies for flavor and texture. You can serve chili with many great sides. Tortilla chips add crunch, while cornbread offers a sweet touch. Top your chili with cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the dish. For drinks, pair it with a cold beer or a light soda. This blog post shared how to make a tasty Veggie Loaded Turkey Chili. You learned about the main ingredients, like ground turkey and various veggies. I outlined step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips to boost flavor. We explored diet variations and storage tips too. In the end, this chili recipe offers a warm meal that you can tailor. Enjoy creating your unique version!

Veggie Loaded Turkey Chili

A hearty and nutritious chili packed with vegetables and lean turkey.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • optional Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer to reduce.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Accompany with tortilla chips or cornbread.
Keyword chili, comfort food, healthy, turkey, vegetarian