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Home » Food » Recipes » Main Dishes » Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (Stovetop)

Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (Stovetop)

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Healthy turkey chili recipe
Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (stovetop)
Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (stovetop)

This healthy turkey chili is absolutely perfect for cooler temperatures, and you can make it on the stovetop. It is so very simple and delicious. 😍🙌🏻

healthy turkey chili in a white bowl with spoon

If you prefer beef chili don’t worry because I’ve already got you covered with my classic beef chili recipe.

And for Instant Pot enthusiasts, see my Instant Pot turkey chili.

Chili is one of those comfort foods that can actually be very healthy. And many people prefer to make chili with a leaned meat like turkey.

I’ll be transparent and say that we don’t discriminate in our house. 😂 We eat alllll kinds of chili with joy and enthusiasm. 🤗

We love to serve ours with a skillet of corn bread.👏🏻😋

No matter what type of chili you prefer, there is lots of yummy nutritional goodness going on in chili, y’all: beans, herbs, veggies.😍

Diced onions and peppers with knife on wood cutting board

And for some reason, chili is one of those dishes that is even better to me leftover.🤷🏼‍♀️ I guess sitting in the fridge lets all those flavor meld together even more. This recipe makes a good sized batch, perfect for leftovers.

How to make healthy stovetop turkey chili

First, gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to.

Ingredients with label text on white surface

To make this stovetop turkey chili recipe, you will need the following:

  • ground turkey
  • onion
  • bell pepper
  • jalapeño pepper
  • fresh garlic
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • coriander
  • real maple syrup
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • vegetable broth/ stock or beef broth (may substitute red wine or even water)
  • canned kidney beans
  • canned diced tomatoes
  • tomato sauce (or ketchup)

Making turkey chili

Brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat for a few minutes until crumbly (about 5 to 7 minutes).

Stir in onion, peppers, garlic, spices, broth, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

cooking meat and veggies in a pot

Add the kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bring to a boil.

adding beans and tomatoes to meat in a pot

Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring frequently.

Cooked healthy turkey chili in a pot

Serve and enjoy!

Toppings

Y’all know I am all about toppings, especially on soups and chilis! Cheese is pretty much a given in our house.

healthy turkey chili in a bowl with cheese

In addition to that, we like some combination of the following: diced avocado, squeeze of lime, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, green onions or sliced pickled jalapeños.

FAQ’s for Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Can I freeze this?

Yes, this healthy turkey chili recipe freezes well. I have done it many times with excellent results. 👌🏻

How long is it good for in the fridge?

I would say at least 5 days.

Can I double the batch?

Yes! When I make this on the stove top, I often double the batch. If you do this, make sure you use a large stock pot to accommodate this big batch. I use the Cuisinart Stainless 12-Quart Stockpot(<-Amazon affiliate link). We got this as a wedding present, and I love it!

Can I make substitutions in this recipe?

Here are some substitutions that I have made successfully to this healthy turkey chili recipe:

  • I’ve used ground beef instead of turkey (changes nutrition) OR combination of half beef, half turkey.
  • I’ve used sugar instead of maple syrup.
  • I’ve used red wine instead of beef broth.
  • I’ve used all different colors bell pepper, or the mixed tri-color pre-diced kind from the grocery store.
  • I’ve subbed ketchup in place of of tomato sauce.
  • I’ve used a small can of green chilis (4 ounces) in place of the fresh jalapeno.
  • I’ve used two cans of Ro-tele in place of the regular tomatoes and jalapeno.
  • I’ve used frozen diced onions (about a cup). Yes, these are actually a thing! I got mine at Publix in the freezer section.
  • I’ve used bottled minced garlic – about a Tablespoon.

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healthy turkey chili in a white bowl with spoon
5 from 5 votes
Print

Healthy Turkey Chili

This healthy turkey chili is perfect for cooler temperatures, and you can make it on the stovetop. It is simple, delicious and very easy to make. 

Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword healthy turkey chili, turkey chili recipe
Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 6 servings
Calories 267 kcal
Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper red or green, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeds and membranes removed and diced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 tablespoon real maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth may substitute red wine or even water
  • 2 cans of kidney beans undrained, 14.5 ounces
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes undrained, 14.5 ounces
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce (you can substitute with ketchup)

Instructions

Stove Top Instructions

  1. Brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat for a few minutes until crumbly (about 5 to 7 minutes).

  2. Stir in onion, peppers, garlic, spices, broth, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

  3. Add the kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bring to a boil.

  4. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring frequently.

  5. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

This recipe is very forgiving, and I have made many substitutions successfully. I always adjust the spices (add more) at the end, if I need to.

One serving is approximately 1.5 cups.

Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.

Nutrition Facts
Healthy Turkey Chili
Amount Per Serving
Calories 267 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 55mg18%
Sodium 848mg37%
Potassium 803mg23%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A 1235IU25%
Vitamin C 38mg46%
Calcium 98mg10%
Iron 4.4mg24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Note: This recipe originally appeared on A Pinch of Healthy on September 23, 2014. It has been updated to include new pictures and a video tutorial.

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Related posts:

  1. BEST Chili Recipe Ever! (classic beef chili)
  2. Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Instant Pot OR Stovetop)
  3. Instant Pot Lentil Soup (vegan)
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeannie says

    April 21, 2022 at 11:16 pm

    5 stars
    Another delicious recipe from Marjorie. I added a cup of carrots, just for fun. Thank you—my husband loved it.

    Reply
  2. Angie says

    January 30, 2022 at 9:43 am

    How long do you need to cook this in a crockpot on low or high?

    Reply
  3. Nicholas says

    April 23, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    Fast, easy, and very good!

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      April 26, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      I love hearing that, Nicholas! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.

      Reply
  4. Kimberly Kent says

    September 24, 2020 at 5:26 pm

    5 stars
    I made this in my IP it was great! My husband asked me to make it again b/c “it’s really, really good!”

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:10 am

      I am so glad to hear y’all enjoyed it, Kimberly!

      Reply
  5. Tiffany White says

    September 11, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is delicious! Definitely a repeat recipe this winter.

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      September 13, 2020 at 6:53 am

      I am so glad you enjoyed it, Tiffany! Thank you for taking the time to circle back and leave a rating.🙏🏻💖

      Reply
  6. Matthew says

    January 14, 2020 at 8:22 pm

    Once you add all of the veggies and spices, what setting on the instant pot do you cook them on for 7-8 minutes?

    Same for when you add the sauce and tomatoes? WHat setting onnthe instant pot do you cook it on?

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      January 15, 2020 at 9:00 am

      Hi Matthew! (1) Still on the saute setting for the veggies and spices. (2) After adding tomatoes and sauce, high pressure. Some models say “manual” but most of the mew ones say “pressure cook” I think. After you press the “pressure cook” button, you can push the “pressure level” button to select high pressure. Hope that helps! Enjoy the recipe.🙌🏻

      Reply
  7. Angie says

    November 22, 2019 at 4:30 pm

    Hello! Thanks for the recipe!

    For the kidney beans, is it 14.5 oz total of beans or two cans 14.5 oz each?

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      November 26, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      Hi Angie! 14.5 ounces in each can.

      Reply
  8. Mila Furman says

    October 1, 2014 at 10:04 am

    I love a nice bowl of chili! This looks fantastic! Thanks for partying with us this week at #FoodieFridays!!! We are always glad to see your recipes on there! See you again this week!

    Reply
    • Marjorie@APinchOfHealthy says

      October 1, 2014 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks so much Mila! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jessie Gipe says

    September 24, 2014 at 3:13 am

    We may not have fall like temperatures here, but theres no such thing as not enjoying cold temperature foods year round. This chili looks great & even something Joshua would be a fan of. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Marjorie@APinchOfHealthy says

      September 24, 2014 at 7:57 am

      Thanks Jessie! I sometimes make this in spring and summer too, just because we like it.

      Reply

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I am a home cook, recipe developer, coffee drinker, wife and mom of two. My recipes are simple and tasty. I enjoy lots of fresh, healthy food, plus full treats without guilt. Thanks so much for stopping by! Read more here.

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