Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

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Turkey chili is wonderful stuff. It’s a healthier alternative to beef chili and is just as filling and flavorful.

I don’t think I could go through life without a few good bowls of chili to enjoy through the cold winter months. There’s just something about chili that is so homey, hearty and comforting. Paired with some Corn Bread, it’s the perfect dinner for a cold night in.

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(Then all you have to do is follow that with a nice cup of Hot Chocolate for dessert!)

But I digress…

Turkey Chili Recipe

This recipe has been updated slightly from the original recipe I posted here back in December of 2010.

There isn’t a huge difference between the two, but the spices I use now are different and I made a few minor updates or changes that I like better these days.

Mostly, the changes are in the spices I used. They are spicier then the original version, but I give you the milder options as well, so you can still make the original, milder version if you prefer that.

Can You Freeze Ground Turkey Chili?

This is great for the freezer! It makes a relatively large batch, so this is really easy to freeze in portion-sized containers. It’s great for grabbing straight from the freezer and popping into your lunch bag/box and getting out the door fast!

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (2)

Can You Pack Chili Warm?

Pack this in a thermos for school or work lunches. Or pack it cold (and keep it cold) until you can microwave it at work or school.

I don’t recommend taking hot chili with you that isn’t in a heat-preserving container like a thermos. If chili isn’t held at appropriate temperatures, it can become a health risk. So a good quality thermos is the way to go if you want to take warm chili with you somewhere.

Can You Substitute Turkey For Beef In Chili?

For you beef lovers out there, yes, you can substitute beef here and it will be just as good. It will have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be tasty. Give it a try!

Turkey Chili Ingredients

  • Oil – These days, I used coconut oil. But any oil you typically use will work here. Grapeseed oil or avocado oil are both healthy choices.
  • Red onion– Choose a large onion for this. The larger the better. Chop it coarsely or to a size you like. They will cook down in size when you sauté them.
  • Red bell pepper – Chop these about the same size as your onions. The color pepper you use doesn’t matter much. Pick your favorite. Green onions will give this chili a bit more of that peppery tang, but either is tasty. I’ve made this with many different colored peppers and they were all good.
  • Garlic cloves– It’s good to chop these pretty fine, or as fine as you can manage.
  • Ground turkey – You can use any type you like. Ground turkey breast or the regular stuff. Either will work, but turkey breast will be a tad bit more “rubbery” when done due to lack of fat.
  • Chicken broth – Make sure there is no sugar added and opt for low sodium if that’s a concern for you.
  • Fresh chopped tomatoes – You can guestimate the measurement on this. It can be a bit more or a bit less than 2 cups, or you can omit them completely. I just happen to have 2 tomatoes handy and they happened to equal 2 cups once chopped. You have wiggle room here.
  • Canned tomato paste– Get the paste that doesn’t have sugar added.
  • Canned pinto beans– Look for beans that don’t have sugar added. It’s very common to find cans of beans that have sugar added.)
  • Canned black beans– Again, look for no sugar added. You can use different beans if you prefer. I used a 15 oz. can to keep things simple. Or you can use 2 cans of the same beans if you prefer. The choice is yours and it’s a fun way to switch up the flavors on this chili.
  • Canned tomato sauce– Tomato sauce commonly has sugar and lots of salt added. So look for varieties that don’t have sugar added and are low in sodium if that’s something you need. I like to use organic.
  • Salt and pepper– I add these both taste after cooking. That way I don’t overdo it on either one.
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Optional Additions:

I will often add these extras to further build out the flavors. They are optional and not included in the recipes below. But they are tasty if you need “more” in the flavor department.

  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar – This deepens the flavor.
  • A few drops of stevia – You can use any sweetener you are comfortable with. Just remember a little goes a long way. You won’t need much to further develop the flavors of chili.

Chili Topping Ideas:

We all love to top our chili with more deliciousness. Here are a few ideas:

  • Fresh, chopped onions (yes! More onions!)
  • Grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan would work well here)
  • Green onions
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Avocado
  • Fresh chopped tomatoes
  • Chopped herbs like Italian parsley or cilantro
  • Sliced black olives

How To Make Turkey Chili

Make sure to check out the video just above the recipe. It shows this recipe in action.

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Warm the oil in a medium to large pot. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until the onions are translucent.

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Add in the garlic and continue to cook and stir for about 1 minute.

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Stir in the ground turkey and cook until mostly browned.

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Add in all remaining ingredients, remembering to adjust the seasoning based on whether you want spicy or mild chili. Season with salt and pepper.

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Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if you wish.

More Healthy Chili Recipes

  • Curried Turkey Chili
  • Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Recipes Used Here

  • Chili Seasoning

Turkey Chili Recipe Card

Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (10)

Turkey Chili Recipe

The updated version of our family favorite chili with options for making it mild or spicy.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 11 servings

Calories: 224kcal

CLICK TO WATCH THIS RECIPE IN ACTION!

Equipment

  • Medium to large pot

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. oil (I used coconut oil)
  • 1 large red onion (chopped)
  • 1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 6 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 cup chicken broth (no sugar added)
  • 2 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
  • 6 oz. can tomato paste (no sugar added)
  • 15 oz. can pinto beans (do not drain – no sugar added)
  • 15 oz. can black beans (do not drain – no sugar added)
  • 15 oz. can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
  • salt and pepper to taste after cooking

Seasoning For Spicy Chili:

  • ½ cup chili seasoning (see link above for recipe)

Seasoning for Milder Chili:

  • ¼ cup ground cumin
  • 2 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp. onion powder

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Warm the oil in a medium to large pot. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (11)

  • Add in the garlic and continue to cook and stir for about 1 minute.

    Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (12)

  • Stir in the ground turkey and cook until mostly browned.

    Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (13)

  • Add in all remaining ingredients, remembering to adjust the seasoning based on whether you want spicy or mild chili. Season with salt and pepper.

    Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (14)

  • Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if you wish.

    Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (15)

Notes

Please note that the nutrition data given here is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible. Data is figured using chili seasoning mix. Calories are slightly lower if using seasoning for the milder chili.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 703mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3534IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 4mg

Recipe from the Gracious Pantry® archives, originally posted 12/15/10.

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Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is chili considered clean eating? ›

Chili can be healthy, with qualifiers. The iconic dish—typically made with ground meat, tomatoes, kidney beans, and seasonings—is packed with protein, fiber (thanks, beans!), and iron. This makes chili relatively healthy, provided you don't get too carried away with high-fat toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese.

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili? ›

Turkey chili is much lighter and lower in calories. Most recipes call for ground turkey, which doesn't have nearly the fat content of beef. The turkey meat you'll find at the grocery store contains 15%, 7%, or even no fat.

What to add to chili to make it healthy? ›

canned pumpkin

Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene that gets converted to vitamin A in the body, which is important for eye and skin health. Add a can of pumpkin to the chili, and garnish with other kid-friendly toppings like raisins and Greek yogurt.

Is chili healthy for weight loss? ›

Helps with weight loss

Other studies show that chili peppers can increase metabolism and help you burn off the calories you do eat. While eating them by themselves may not lead to a significant change in your weight, using them with your doctor-approved weight loss plan may help you see results more quickly.

What is not considered clean eating? ›

Eating cleaner means limiting processed foods like bologna, salami, pepperoni and hot dogs. These—and other processed meat products—are usually high in sodium and may contain artificial colors as well as preservatives. Choosing environmentally sustainable protein when possible can help you with clean eating, too.

What is the difference between clean eating and dirty eating? ›

Clean eating is based on restriction — proponents think of “clean” foods as more pure and thus superior. This suggests that other foods are “dirty” or unhealthy. At ZOE, we believe that every food has a place on our plates. Food is a source of pleasure and should be enjoyed without hard and fast rules.

Can I eat ground turkey every day? ›

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

Which chili is the healthiest? ›

Best: Pacific Foods Plant-Based Fire Roasted Vegetable Chili

This is because the vegetarian ingredients pack loads of fiber and still meet our minimum protein recommendations. Although this option falls a little short at 8 grams of fiber per cup, eating a full can will fill you up with 15 grams and only 360 calories.

Is ground turkey healthy for weight loss? ›

Ground turkey is a great food choice for individuals looking to shed excess weight. It offers several health and nutritional benefits, including: High protein content: Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein — a crucial component of any weight loss diet.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What to eat with turkey chili? ›

16 Side Dishes That Go Great With Chili
  • 01 of 15. Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread. View Recipe. ...
  • 02 of 15. Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad. View Recipe. ...
  • 03 of 15. Savory Roasted Root Vegetables. ...
  • 04 of 15. Perfect Baked Potato. ...
  • 05 of 15. Ann's Dirty Rice. ...
  • 06 of 15. Cornbread Muffins I. ...
  • 07 of 15. Loaded Tater Tots. ...
  • 08 of 15. Creamy Spiced Coleslaw.
Feb 27, 2020

Can I eat chili every day? ›

Eating spicy food in moderation is generally safe for people who don't already have stomach issues. However, it can cause inflammation to the areas that aid digestion and can sometimes lead to heartburn, stomachaches or diarrhea.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Is chili considered a junk food? ›

In general, chili is seen as a healthy food since chili contains ingredients from key food groups. If you want to build a healthier bowl of beef chili, choose lean ground beef. Reducing the fat content in the meat is important for heart health and can lower your risk of developing diabetes.

Is Chilli a detox? ›

Yes, it does cleanse your blood. According to the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, chilli contains a compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin in chilli pepper possesses blood purification properties that help the body to get rid of toxins.

Is chili in a can healthy? ›

As with many prepared and processed foods, some chili products can be filled with sodium and saturated fat. However they also can be good sources of fiber and protein, both of which can help satisfy you and keep you feeling full. Go for the beans. An alternative to meat-based chili is chili beans.

What foods fall under clean eating? ›

A clean diet may include whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting highly processed snacks and other packaged foods with added sugar and salt. It may also be associated with terms like plant-based, grass-fed, sugar-free, or gluten-free.

References

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