If ever there was a cozy meal to brighten up a weeknight (without breaking your healthy goals), it’s this Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe. Packed with lean protein, a rainbow of vegetables, and zippy spices, this chili comes together in just 40 minutes and is sure to warm you from the inside out. This is the kind of bowl that satisfies every craving: comforting, nourishing, and brimming with bold, savory flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this chili gets high marks every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe is straightforward yet selected for maximum impact. Each ingredient plays a special part, from building the rich base to providing bursts of color and texture that make every spoonful a delight.
- Lean Ground Turkey (1 lb): A lighter alternative to beef—93% lean keeps things heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Just enough for sautéing veggies and adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- Yellow Onion, diced (1 cup): Lays the aromatic foundation and softens beautifully during cooking.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings a punchy, savory background note—fresh is best!
- Red Bell Pepper, diced (1.5 cups): Pops of color and sweetness that liven up the pot.
- Zucchini Squash, diced (2 cups): Adds moisture and gentle earthiness; don’t skip it.
- Carrot, diced (1 cup): Natural sweetness and pleasant bite, plus extra nutrients.
- Sweet Potato, diced (1.5 cups): Creamy, sweet, and packed with vitamins—a true comfort booster.
- Sweet Corn, drained and rinsed (1.5 cups): A bit of juicy crunch and sweetness (fresh or frozen work equally well).
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes, canned (28 oz): Smoky, bold, and slightly tangy—choose fire-roasted for best flavor.
- Black Beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz): Hearty, fiber-rich, and classic in any good chili.
- Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed (16 oz): Creamy and mild, or swap with kidney beans for variety.
- Mild Diced Green Chiles, canned (4 oz): Adds a little tang and gentle heat—kid-friendly but flavorful.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups): Lends body and keeps the chili moist without excess salt.
- Chili Powder (2 Tbsp): The main flavor driver—use your favorite blend.
- Ground Cumin (1 Tbsp): Warm and earthy, it’s essential for depth of flavor.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds color and a gentle smokiness.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Brings a touch of herbal freshness.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors—adjust to your preference.
- Black Pepper (⅛ tsp): Just a little to round out the heat and savoriness.
How to Make Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Cans
First, gather your cutting board and get in the chopping groove! Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop up the sweet potato, zucchini, red bell pepper, and carrot into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the beans and corn, giving them a quick shake to remove excess water. The only can to skip draining is your tomatoes, as that lovely juice will add delicious brothiness to the chili. Tip: You can even do this step a day ahead for effortless meal prep.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Turkey
Set your largest soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, add the diced onion and cook until just beginning to soften, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper—let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. This blooms the spices and ensures your Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe is packed with deep, savory flavor from the start. Now, crumble in the ground turkey and break it up as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Cook Everything Down
Once your turkey is mostly browned, add in your prepared carrots, red bell pepper, zucchini, and sweet potato. Stir well and let everything cook together for 8 to 10 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked through and the veggies start to soften. Watch for the sweet potato to just begin turning tender—it will finish cooking in the next step and soak up those tasty spices.
Step 4: Add Broth, Beans, Tomatoes, Corn, and Chiles
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, then stir in the diced fire-roasted tomatoes (don’t drain them!), sweet corn, both types of beans, and the mild diced green chiles. Bring the mix to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let your chili simmer, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld, the veggies will become meltingly tender, and the chili will thicken perfectly.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you need a bit more salt, add it now. You can also squeeze in a little lime for brightness or sprinkle some extra spice if you love a little kick. That’s it! You’ve made Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe like a pro.
How to Serve Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this chili comes alive with toppings! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar, or thinly sliced green onions all give bold flavor lifts. Squeeze some fresh lime over the top for a sunny, zesty finish—your bowl will look beautiful and taste even better.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe with warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. For a lighter touch, roasted sweet potato wedges or steamed brown rice make lovely, wholesome accompaniments that soak up chili flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Chili night doesn’t have to mean just bowls! Try spooning leftovers over baked sweet potatoes, nestling a scoop inside a whole grain tortilla for quick wraps, or even layering with cooked spaghetti squash for a “chili boat.” Individual ramekins or mason jar servings are also perfect for parties and meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, getting more flavorful as the seasonings meld—hello, best-ever leftovers! Store toppings separately to keep them fresh.
Freezing
This chili is made for the freezer! Once fully cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags (don’t forget to write the date). It’ll keep its wonderful texture and taste for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy dinner anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm portions in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring gently between each. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick—just like new!
FAQs
Can I make Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans or some cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and you’ll still get all that wonderful, hearty texture and flavor.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Definitely—it’s a simple swap, and ground chicken will work perfectly here. Make sure to choose lean ground chicken to keep things light and healthy, and follow the recipe as written.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
No worries! Regular canned diced tomatoes work just fine. If you want a similar smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder to the mix.
How spicy is this chili?
This Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe is mild thanks to the use of mild green chiles and balanced spices. If you like more heat, add chopped jalapeños, use medium or hot chiles, or toss in extra chili powder until it’s just right for you.
Can I meal prep this chili in advance?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic option for make-ahead meals. Chop all your vegetables a day early, and you can even assemble the chili up to the simmering step before storing overnight in the fridge. The flavors just keep getting better as it sits!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that never lets you down, you owe it to yourself to try Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe. It’s colorful, nourishing, and so easy—even your pickiest eaters will be coming back for seconds. Give it a go and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!
Print
Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili, Dietitian Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Turkey Vegetable Chili is a nutritious and flavorful dish packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables. Perfect for a cozy night in or meal prep for the week ahead!
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean, 454g)
Oil:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil, 15ml)
Vegetables:
1 small yellow onion, diced (1 cup, 150g), 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 red bell pepper, diced (1.5 cups, 100g), 1 zucchini squash, diced (2 cups, 280g), 1 carrot, diced (1 cup, 70g), 1 small sweet potato, diced (1.5 cups, 200g)
Canned Ingredients:
1 can sweet corn (15.25 oz, drained and rinsed) or 1.5 cups frozen corn (432g), 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (28 oz), 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed), 1 can pinto beans (16 oz, drained and rinsed, or kidney beans), 1 can mild diced green chiles (4 oz), 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (960ml)
Spices:
2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Chop all vegetables, drain and rinse beans and corn.
- Sauté: In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, and seasonings. Add turkey and cook.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sweet potato, zucchini, red pepper, and carrots; cook until tender.
- Combine: Add broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, and chiles. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Hint: Prep by chopping veggies in advance!
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and green chiles.
- This chili freezes well and makes for a convenient meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
