Healthy 3 Bean Turkey Chili Recipe

I absolutely love this 3-bean turkey chili recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight and makes for the perfect cozy dish to share with friends while catching up and binging the latest shows.

I enjoy making recipes that are nutritious, and I take delight in my Healthy 3 Bean Turkey Chili. It marries lean ground turkey with the kind of lively vegetables I adore, like green and red bell peppers.

The protein in this dish comes from not one but three kinds of beans: black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. When you season all that with chili powder and cumin, and serve it in a big bowl, you’ve got a dish that’s way more satisfying than any bowl of bean soup you could ever hope to eat.

Healthy 3 Bean Turkey Chili Recipe Ingredients

• Olive oil: Healthy fat, adds richness and aids in sautéing.
• Ground turkey: Lean protein, lower in fat than beef.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor, contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor, has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Bell peppers: Colorful, full of vitamins A and C, adds crunch.
• Chili powder: Spicy depth, rich in antioxidants.
• Beans (black, kidney, pinto): High fiber content, boosts protein.
• Crushed tomatoes: Base for sauce, provides vitamin C.
• Corn kernels: Adds sweetness, fiber, and some carbohydrates.
• Lime juice: Adds tanginess, rich in vitamin C.

Healthy 3 Bean Turkey Chili Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

How to Make this Healthy 3 Bean Turkey Chili Recipe

1. In a large pot, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground turkey, and using a spoon, break it apart as it cooks and browns, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Toss in the onion, garlic, green pepper, and red pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables accept their softened fate.

3. Combine the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add and cook for 1-2 minutes. The aroma should indicate that your spices are ready.

4. In the pot, add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and crushed tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to combine.

5. Add the broth from the chicken and the paste of tomato, sauce of Worcestershire, and the chiles in the bowl. Mix them into a coherent whole.

6. Start by bringing the chili to a boil, then reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring it occasionally.

7. After 30 minutes, mix in the corn kernels. Allow the chili to keep simmering, uncovered, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Let it thicken slightly.

8. Savor the chili and modify the spices to your liking; add more salt and spices if necessary.

9. Right before serving, mix in the lime juice to add brightness to the chili.

10. Serve steaming, with fresh cilantro as a possible garnish. Enjoy your healthy 3-bean turkey chili!

Healthy 3 Bean Turkey Chili Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Medium heat source (stove)
3. Wooden or silicone spoon
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Measuring spoons
7. Can opener
8. Mixing spoon
9. Ladle

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?– Preferred substitutes are ground beef or chicken.
• Is this chili spicy?The spiciness is low. You can raise the heat level by using more chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you want it hotter.
• Can I make this chili vegetarian?– Certainly! Just leave out the turkey and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• How can I thicken the chili?– You can simmer it longer and leave it uncovered, or mash some of the beans for a thicker texture.
• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?– Absolutely, it has a delightful flavor even the next day. Keep it in an air-tight container and place it in the fridge. It will maintain its yumminess for another 2 days.
• What are the best toppings for this chili?– Avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or extra cilantro can be used to top this recipe for added flavor.

Healthy 3 Bean Turkey Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Lean ground chicken or ground beef can take the place of ground turkey.
Avocado oil or coconut oil can take the place of olive oil.
Chickpeas or extra pinto beans can be used in place of black beans.
Cannellini beans or great northern beans can replace kidney beans.
Yellow or orange bell pepper can be substituted for green bell pepper in any dish for a different taste.

Pro Tips

1. Browning the Turkey Perfectly: To enhance flavor, allow the ground turkey to brown and develop a slight crust before adding the onions and other vegetables. Avoid stirring it too frequently during the initial cooking phase.