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Healthy Mexican Turkey Chili - Big Flavor, Light and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing
  • Lean ground turkey – 1 to 1.25 pounds (93% or 99% lean)
  • Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced
  • Red bell pepper – 1, diced
  • Jalapeño – 1, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
  • Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 ounces)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth – 1 to 1.5 cups, as needed
  • Black beans – 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Pinto or kidney beans – 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Frozen or canned corn – 1 cup (optional)
  • Chili powder – 1.5 to 2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin – 2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, adds citrusy note)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper – to taste
  • Lime – 1, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro – chopped, for garnish
  • Avocado, diced – optional topping
  • Greek yogurt or light sour cream – optional topping

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
  2. Bloom the garlic and spices: Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and coriander. Stir 30–60 seconds to toast the spices. This deepens the flavor.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until just cooked through and lightly browned, 5–7 minutes.
  4. Tomato boost: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize. This step adds body and umami.
  5. Add liquids and beans: Pour in crushed tomatoes and 1 cup broth. Stir in black beans, pinto/kidney beans, and corn if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer to marry flavors: Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if you want a thinner consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Finish bright: Squeeze in half a lime and stir. Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, avocado, and a small spoon of Greek yogurt if you like.