Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Deer Valley Resort-inspired turkey chili recipe brings the warmth and deliciousness of the mountains right to your kitchen table. Perfect for a cozy night in, a game day gathering, or a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this chili is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It's one of those delicious dishes that's surprisingly simple to execute, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick and easy recipe.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of this healthy meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your chili.
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Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Chili: Add the chopped green bell pepper, diced tomatoes (both canned varieties), kidney beans, pinto beans, Rotel, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is one of those easy recipes that benefits from a longer cooking time.
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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.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in chicken broth instead of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with 1 (14-ounce) package of vegetarian crumbles.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- Thicken the chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before simmering.
Variations:
- White Chicken Chili: Substitute ground turkey with shredded chicken and omit the cayenne pepper. Add a can of white beans and some diced green chilies.
- Beef Chili: Substitute ground turkey with 1 pound of ground beef.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 25-30g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This hearty and delicious turkey chili is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. It's a homemade cooking triumph that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!