Healthy Cowboy Turkey Chili

This hearty chili is packed with lean turkey, beans, and a blend of bold spices that make for a comforting and nutritious meal. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day without any guilt.

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TIME1 hr 10 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup frozen corn 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes 1 cup salsa 1 cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional) 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere's®) ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15.5 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by cooking the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. This should take about 5 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess grease and set the turkey aside. Next, heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the corn, celery, onion, and garlic, and sauté everything until the veggies are soft and fragrant, around 5 minutes. Add the browned turkey back into the pot, then stir in the tomatoes, salsa, chicken broth, and all the spices—chili powder, cilantro, cayenne, Creole seasoning, cumin, and oregano. Let it all simmer gently over medium-low heat for about half an hour so the flavors can really come together. After that, stir in the beans and keep it simmering for another 15 minutes. Finally, sprinkle in the Cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy. Serve warm and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Brown the turkey thoroughly to develop rich flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Use low-sodium broth or beans to control the salt content.
- Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Why you’ll love it

This chili is packed with lean protein and hearty vegetables, making it both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy bold flavors without extra fat or calories. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices and toppings.

Serving ideas

Serve this chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and some fresh cilantro. It also pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage & leftovers

Let the chili cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.