If you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl, my Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili is just the ticket! This hearty chili is bursting with lean turkey and vibrant veggies, making it not only scrumptious but also nutritious. I love how each spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the tender beans to the crunch of fresh bell peppers. Plus, it’s so comforting on a chilly evening! It’s one of my absolute favorites because it’s easy to whip up, and it’s perfect for meal prep—trust me, the leftovers are even better the next day. You’ll feel good about enjoying every last bite!

Ingredients for Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili

Gather these tasty ingredients to make your Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili truly special:

1 lb ground turkey
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color you love works great!)
1 cup zucchini, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
2 tbsp chili powder (feel free to adjust for more kick!)
1 tsp cumin (adds a warm, earthy flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste

These simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously hearty dish that you’ll want to make again and again!

How to Prepare Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling pot of goodness in no time.

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add in the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. I like to cook it until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want it to lose that pink color completely and start to smell savory—this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next up, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. The aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Now, it’s time to amp up the veggie game! Stir in the chopped bell peppers and diced zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. This step adds great texture and color to your chili—don’t you just love it?

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Alright, here comes the fun part! Add the rinsed black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring this beautiful mixture to a boil; it’s crucial for melding those flavors together!

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to mingle and develop. When you’re ready to serve, ladle the chili into bowls while it’s still hot. I love to top mine with a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every warming bite!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili turns out perfect every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even toss in some diced jalapeños. Just keep tasting as you go! Also, if you find the chili too thick after simmering, feel free to add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

When it comes to leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic lunch! And if you’re planning to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date—you don’t want to forget about that deliciousness hiding in the back of the freezer!

Variations of Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili

One of the best things about my Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili is how easily it can be customized! Feel free to swap in different beans—like pinto or navy beans—depending on what you have on hand. Adding a cup of corn can also bring a nice sweetness and texture that complements the chili perfectly.

If you’re in the mood for a flavor twist, why not try experimenting with spices? A dash of smoked paprika can add a lovely depth, or you could throw in some chipotle powder for a smoky kick! You can even add chopped sweet potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness. The kitchen is your playground—get creative and make this chili your own!

Nutritional Information for Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili

Let’s talk about the goodness packed into this Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili! Each serving is not just delicious but also filled with nutrients to fuel your day. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional data per 1 cup serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 20g

These values are estimates based on standard ingredient usage, so keep in mind that they can vary depending on specific brands and quantities you choose. But overall, you can feel great about enjoying this hearty chili that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying!

FAQ Section

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! If you prefer ground beef, it’ll work just fine. Just remember that it may add a bit more fat, so you might want to drain some of it after browning.

What if I don’t have black beans?
No worries! You can substitute with any beans you have on hand, like pinto or cannellini beans. They’ll still add that hearty texture and flavor to your chili.

How can I make it spicier?
If you like a kick, try adding a bit more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper. You could also throw in some diced jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce when you combine the ingredients!

Can I make this chili in advance?
Definitely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!

What toppings do you recommend?
I love topping my chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Avocado or sliced green onions also make great additions. Get creative with your toppings to add that extra flair!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying my Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili, the right sides can take your meal to the next level! I love pairing it with a warm, buttery cornbread for that perfect sweet-and-savory combo—trust me, it’ll soak up all that delicious chili goodness! If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette makes a fantastic contrast. You can also serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa for a heartier option that’ll fill you up. No matter what you choose, your chili experience will be absolutely delightful!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes section!

For more information on the health benefits of chili, you can visit Healthline.

Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili: 5 Reasons to Love It

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and nutritious chili packed with vegetables and lean turkey.

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
Stir in bell peppers and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
Add beans, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust spices to your taste.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Veggie-Packed Turkey Chili

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