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The Best Healthy Chili Recipe (Quick & Easy)

The Best Healthy Chili Recipe (Quick & Easy)

A hearty, flavorful turkey chili filled with vegetables, kidney beans, black beans, and a richly seasoned tomato base. This easy dinner makes about 6 servings and reheats beautifully.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 medium Medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pepper Green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pepper Red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound Extra-lean ground turkey, preferably 99% lean
  • 1 28-ounce can Diced tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can Tomato sauce
  • 1 15-ounce can Kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-ounce can Black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
Seasonings
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons Chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste Salt
  • To taste Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Toppings
  • As desired Shredded cheddar cheese
  • As desired Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • As desired Diced avocado
  • As desired Fresh cilantro
  • As desired Tortilla chips

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, then cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the extra-lean ground turkey and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for approximately 6–7 minutes, stirring as needed, until the turkey is no longer pink.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot and simmer for about 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste the chili and adjust the salt and black pepper before serving. Spoon into bowls and finish with any desired toppings.

Notes

For deeper flavor, soften the onion and peppers well before adding the turkey. Use low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes for more control over salt. Refrigerate leftovers for several days or freeze them in airtight portions. Lean ground beef may be substituted for the turkey in equal quantity.