Craving a hearty, healthy, and delicious dinner that won't keep you in the kitchen all evening? Look no further! This Black Bean Turkey Chili is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal for the whole family. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, offering a fantastic blend of textures and tastes that will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this incredibly satisfying chili!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Brown the turkey: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Simmer the chili: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Serve with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground turkey with 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- Slow cooker option: This chili is also perfect for the slow cooker! Brown the turkey as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12g
This black bean turkey chili recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal option. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and the leftovers are just as good the next day! Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish – a true testament to the ease and delight of homemade cooking. This easy recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. It’s one of the best recipes for a satisfying and healthy meal.