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Hearty Skillet Turkey Chili with Beans

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A quick and easy skillet turkey chili packed with beans, spices, and a touch of smoky flavor, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 14 oz (400 g) canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups (300 g) mixed beans (kidney, black, pinto), rinsed and drained
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
  3. Add minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and edges are golden. Add more olive oil if pan looks dry.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and veggies. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  7. Add canned diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the skillet bottom.
  8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover loosely and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Stir in rinsed and drained mixed beans. Cook uncovered for another 5-7 minutes to thicken chili. Add broth or water if too thick.
  10. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

Notes

Do not rush browning the turkey to get a nice caramelized edge. Bloom spices by cooking them with the turkey and veggies for better flavor. Drain excess fat if needed to keep chili lean. Adjust thickness by simmering longer or adding broth. Use fresh garlic and spices for best taste. Monitor simmer to avoid burning or drying out chili.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, skillet chili, turkey chili with beans, easy chili recipe, quick dinner, cozy dinner, healthy chili, gluten-free chili

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/hearty-skillet-turkey-chili-with-beans-easy-recipe-for-cozy-dinners/