Just when you thought you didn’t need another chili recipe…
Here we go!
This chili recipe has been my go-to for years, and it never disappoints. It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to both tomato paste and cocoa powder which add a complex depth of flavor. It’s packed with turkey, beans, and vegetables making it as wholesome as it is satisfying.
I’ve dubbed it “Game Day Chili” just in time for the Superbowl, as this would be a perfect meal to have simmering away and filling the house with delicious smells while you watch the game…. but I make it all winter long and encourage you to as well.
This is the perfect addition to your Superbowl spread, and something to make the day particularly exciting if, like me, you aren’t quite sure who is playing.
How To Make My Healthy Game-Day Turkey Chili
Step 1. In a large, heavy bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey along with a big pinch of salt and brown, breaking up as it cooks.
Step 2. When nicely browned and cooked through, remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3. If the pot looks dry, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds, stirring.
Step 4. Add the onion, celery, peppers, and garlic and saute until the vegetables are tender and translucent, about six minutes.
Step 5. Add the spices, another teaspoon of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper and stir until fragrant, about one minute. Add the tomatoes and juices and cook for another minute.
Step 6. Transfer the cooked meat back to the pot along with the beans and 3-4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Taste and add salt if needed.
Step 7. Cover and simmer for one hour.
Step 8. Taste for seasoning before serving, then serve garnished with sliced green onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, lime, avocado… whatever you’d like.
Step 9. Enjoy!
What else can I use?
- If you prefer, use all ground beef or all ground turkey for this recipe
- Use any kinds of beans you like, I like a mix of black and pinto beans
- The tomato paste adds great flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, don’t let it stop you from making it
- I love to top this with scallions, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips, but cheese and sour cream are obvious and welcome additions as well
This Healthy Game-Day Turkey Chili is special because:
This chili is hearty and filling
It’s almost impossible to get wrong
It allows for a lot of flexibility, so use what you have on hand!
More Game-Day Favorites
Crispy Salt & Vinegar Smashed Potatoes
The Silkiest Blender Hummus Dip (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Miso Ranch Dip (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)
Cranberry Red Pepper Jelly (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
If you make my Healthy Game-Day Chili, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!
If you like full recipe videos, you’ll want to follow me on Facebook and Youtube as I publish new videos daily!
Healthy Game-Day Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground turkey dark meat, preferably
- 2 cans beans, 15 ounces each pinto, black, or mix
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- pinch ground cloves optional
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes and their juices
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a large, heavy bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey along with a big pinch of salt and brown, breaking up as it cooks.
- When nicely browned and cooked through, remove from the pot and set aside.
- If the pot looks dry, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds, stirring.
- Add the onion, celery, peppers, and garlic and saute until the vegetables are tender and translucent, about six minutes.
- Add the spices, another teaspoon of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper and stir until fragrant, about one minute.
- Add the tomatoes and juices and cook for another minute.
- Transfer the cooked meat back to the pot along with the beans and 3-4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Cover and simmer for one hour.
- Taste for seasoning before serving, then serve garnished with sliced green onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, lime, avocado… whatever you'd like.
- Enjoy!
What is the nutritional value of this turkey chili?
I want to make it but want to put it into my fitness pal.
I’ve just updated the recipe card to include a calculation for you, Marg!
Let me know if you give it a try!
Kat.
On Kelly & Mark this morning, you mentioned a vegetarian version of your turkey chili, but I can’t find a recipe for it. Where can I find it? Thanks
Hi Dena, the black bean and sweet potato chili recipe is in my cookbook, Big Bites!
Kat.
Delicious! Best healthy, quick chili recipe I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a lot! Full disclosure that I ended up having to use 1lb. ground turkey and 1lb extra lean ground beef because when you go grocery shopping at 10PM the pickings are slim. 🙂
I’m so glad you loved it Lisa, and it’s the perfect recipe for using what you have on hand (or what you can find at the grocery store 😉) so I’m sure it was delicious with the ground beef in there!
Enjoy,
Kat.
Definitely making this for Sunday’s game! Will let you know how it turns out.