Easy Turkey Chili (One-Pot)
A hearty, healthy turkey chili that cooks in one pot. Packed with protein, beans, and veggies. Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly!
Chili is my favorite make-ahead meal. I make a big pot on Sunday, and we eat it all week in different ways: over rice, with cornbread, topped on baked potatoes, even with scrambled eggs for breakfast (don’t knock it till you try it!).
This version uses lean ground turkey instead of beef, which cuts down on fat but still has tons of flavor. My kids can’t tell the difference, and my husband actually prefers it this way!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add everything else: Stir in both types of beans, both cans of tomatoes, and all the spices. Mix well.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors develop.
- Taste and adjust: Season with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder to your taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
Per serving
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Emma’s Tips
Make it spicy: Add a diced jalapeño with the vegetables, or stir in some hot sauce at the end.
Slow cooker version: Brown the turkey first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Freeze it: This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer bags or containers. Freeze flat for easy storage. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Nutrition boost: I sometimes add a couple handfuls of spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking. It wilts right in and adds extra nutrients.
Budget-friendly: This makes a huge batch for very little money. It’s one of my favorite ways to feed my family healthy food on a budget.
