Turkey Chili White Beans (Print)

Lean turkey and white beans simmer in aromatic spices for a comforting, protein-rich main dish.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound ground turkey

→ Aromatics and Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Canned Goods

06 - 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
07 - 2 (15 ounce each) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices and Oil

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Optional Garnishes

17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded cheese
20 - Sour cream

# Directions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the turkey and vegetables. Stir to ensure everything is well coated with the spices.
05 - Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the drained and rinsed white beans, and the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
06 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors have melded.
07 - Taste the chili and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Serve the turkey chili hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour from start to finish
  • Uses mostly pantry staples you likely already have
  • Lean and protein packed while still incredibly satisfying
  • Naturally gluten free and easily customizable
02 -
  • Excellent source of protein with approximately 31 grams per serving
  • Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day
  • Freezes beautifully for up to three months in airtight containers
03 -
  • Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking. The flavors will concentrate as the chili simmers, so what seemed perfectly spiced at the beginning might need fine-tuning before serving.
  • For deeper flavor development, consider making this chili a day ahead. The overnight rest in the refrigerator allows all the ingredients to fully meld together, resulting in an even more flavorful meal when reheated.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash about a quarter of the beans before adding them to the pot. This natural thickening method adds creaminess without requiring additional ingredients or cooking time.

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