Healthy Turkey Chili with Hidden Veggies Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Turkey Chili is a flavorful, comforting dish packed with lean protein and hidden vegetables. It simmers slowly to deepen the flavors, making it perfect for a cozy meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 pounds 99% Lean Ground Turkey
- 12 oz can Non-Alcoholic Beer (or your choice of liquid)
- 2 packets Chili Seasoning
- 28 oz can Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 cans Chili Beans
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 2-3 Tablespoons Hot Sauce, Lime Juice, or Vinegar (for finishing)
- 4 cups Chicken Bone Broth
- 12 oz bag Frozen Onions and Peppers
- 6 oz Frozen Carrots
- 6 cloves Peeled Garlic
- 2 handfuls (about 6 oz) Frozen Chopped Spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the frozen onions, peppers, carrots, garlic, and chicken broth to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, working in batches if necessary. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat with the olive oil. Add the ground turkey and brown one side for 3-4 minutes before breaking it apart and cooking through.
- Step 3: Pour in the non-alcoholic beer and sprinkle in the chili seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
- Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chili beans, blended vegetable mixture, and bay leaves, combining everything thoroughly.
- Step 5: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for at least 2 hours to develop rich flavors.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves. Stir in hot sauce, lime juice, or vinegar to taste along with salt and pepper. Serve topped with baked tortilla chips, shredded cheese, nonfat Greek yogurt or sour cream, and fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a bright, tangy finish that balances the chili’s richness.
- For extra texture, add diced fresh vegetables like bell peppers or corn in step 4.
- If you prefer, swap the non-alcoholic beer for beef broth or extra chicken broth to keep the chili alcohol-free.
- Omitting the spinach is fine, but adding it boosts nutrition without altering flavor noticeably.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the turkey first, then add all ingredients except finishing acids to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add hot sauce, lime juice, or vinegar just before serving.
What can I serve with this turkey chili?
This chili pairs well with baked tortilla chips, a green salad, cornbread, or steamed rice. Top with shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
PrintHealthy Turkey Chili with Hidden Veggies Recipe
This Healthy Turkey Chili with Hidden Veggies is a flavorful and nutritious twist on classic chili, featuring lean ground turkey and a blend of pureed vegetables to pack in extra vitamins without sacrificing taste. Slow-simmered with fire-roasted tomatoes, chili beans, and a splash of non-alcoholic beer, this comforting chili is rich in protein and perfect for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 pounds 99% Lean Ground Turkey
- 12 oz can Non-Alcoholic Beer (or your choice of liquid)
- 2 packets Chili Seasoning
- 28 oz can Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 cans Chili Beans
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 4 cups Chicken Bone Broth
Vegetables
- 12 oz bag Frozen Onions and Peppers
- 6 oz Frozen Carrots
- 6 cloves Peeled Garlic
- 2 handfuls (about 6 oz) Frozen Chopped Spinach (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 2–3 Tablespoons Hot Sauce, Lime Juice, or Vinegar (for finishing)
Instructions
- Blend Vegetables: Add the frozen onions and peppers, frozen carrots, peeled garlic cloves, optional frozen chopped spinach, and chicken bone broth to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, working in batches if necessary. Set aside this blended vegetable mixture.
- Brown Turkey: Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the ground turkey and allow it to brown on one side for 3-4 minutes before breaking it apart and cooking it through fully.
- Add Beer and Seasoning: Pour in the non-alcoholic beer and add the chili seasoning packets to the cooked turkey. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, chili beans, blended vegetable mixture, and bay leaves into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Chili: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours to develop deep flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, then stir in your choice of hot sauce, lime juice, or vinegar for acidity. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with baked tortilla chips, shredded cheese, nonfat Greek yogurt or sour cream, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, scallions, or chives as desired.
Notes
- The optional spinach can be omitted or substituted with kale for similar nutrition.
- Using non-alcoholic beer adds depth without alcohol; alternatively, chicken broth or a light beer can be used based on preference.
- Low sodium chicken bone broth is recommended to control salt levels.
- Simmering the chili for longer than 2 hours will enhance flavors even more.
- Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot chili seasoning and amount of hot sauce.
Keywords: healthy turkey chili, hidden veggies chili, lean turkey chili, low fat chili, ground turkey recipe, chili with beans, slow simmer chili
