Are you tired of the same old chili recipes? This Thanksgiving, ditch the traditional turkey and stuffing and try something exciting! This Turkey Cranberry Chili recipe combines the comforting warmth of chili with the festive flavors of Thanksgiving. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This healthy and delicious dish is sure to become a new family favorite, and it's so good, you’ll want to share the secret recipe with everyone! Get ready to elevate your chili game to new heights. We'll even show you how to make it even better with a few secret ingredients, and you can find a helpful video tutorial on YouTube!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 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 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry is best!)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and 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.
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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: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, pinto beans, chicken broth, cranberry sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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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 an hour, for richer flavors. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for the Best Turkey Cranberry Chili:
- Don't overcook the turkey: Overcooked ground turkey can become dry. Cook it just until it's browned and cooked through.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Secret ingredient alert! A splash of orange juice or a teaspoon of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the cranberry sauce and balances the spices.
- 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.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground turkey with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground meat.
- Spicy Chili: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Hearty Chili: Add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Turkey Cranberry Chili is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It’s a great example of healthy and easy recipes, a quick dinner idea, and a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. The vibrant flavors and festive ingredients make it a true standout among delicious dishes. Find the full video recipe, including helpful cooking tips and tricks, on our YouTube channel! Enjoy!