Terrific Turkey Chili

Introduction

Looking for a cozy meal to warm you from the inside out? This Terrific Turkey Chili is your answer! Packed with lean turkey, vibrant veggies, and plenty of spices, it's the perfect dish for chilly days when you need comfort food that also hits the spot with flavor.

Why Make This Recipe

Turkey chili is a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili, but it still delivers all the rich, savory flavors you love. With the added freshness of zucchini and green bell pepper, it’s a hearty, healthy option that’s perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd. Plus, it’s quick to make, with simple ingredients and lots of flexibility to customize to your liking.

How to Make Terrific Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1.5 pounds ground turkey
• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (7 ounce) can salsa
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or coarsely chopped tomatoes packed in puree)
• 1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground turkey into the pot and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in the taco seasoning, coriander, oregano, chili flakes, and tomato paste until the meat is well-coated. Continue cooking until the turkey is browned and cooked through, adjusting the heat as needed.
2. Simmer the Chili: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. Add the salsa, crushed tomatoes, and chopped green chiles. Let the chili simmer on medium-low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
3. Cook the Veggies: While the chili simmers, heat another tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is lightly golden. Stir this mixture into the chili and continue to simmer on low.
4. Add the Zucchini: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and stir occasionally for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Stir the zucchini into the chili, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for another 15 minutes. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, and a generous handful of shredded Cheddar cheese.

How to Serve Terrific Turkey Chili

Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, green onions, and cheese. Pair it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Terrific Turkey Chili

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Tips to Make Terrific Turkey Chili

• For a spicier kick, add more chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and peppers.
• You can also swap out ground turkey for ground chicken or even lean ground beef if you prefer.
• If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add a little more tomato paste.
• To add more veggies, try adding some diced carrots or sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variation

Feel free to swap the zucchini for other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. You can also add beans (like kidney beans or black beans) for an even heartier chili.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! This chili actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together. Make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.

2. Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the chili flakes or add some diced jalapeños to the mix for extra heat.

3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the turkey and sauté the veggies beforehand, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chili is ready.

Enjoy your cozy and flavorful bowl of Terrific Turkey Chili! 🌶️🍜