Turkey Chili Black Beans (Printable Version)
A comforting dish with lean turkey, black beans, aromatic spices, and rich tomato base.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
→ Legumes
08 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
→ Spices & Pantry
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
16 - 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
17 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Garnishes (optional)
18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Diced avocado
21 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
04 - Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, drained black beans, and broth. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes if a thicker texture is desired.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, avocado, or lime wedges as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It delivers deep, smoky flavor without the heaviness of beef, so you feel satisfied but not weighed down.
- Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax while it simmers.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
02 -
- Do not skip blooming the spices in the pot before adding liquids, or the chili will taste flat and one dimensional.
- If the chili looks too thick, add a splash of broth or water and stir, then let it simmer a few more minutes to incorporate.
- Always taste before serving because canned tomatoes and broth vary in saltiness, and you may need to adjust.
03 -
- Let the chili rest off the heat for ten minutes before serving so the flavors settle and the texture thickens naturally.
- If you want deeper smokiness, add a teaspoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo along with the spices.