Ground Turkey Chili with Vegetables

Recipe for Healthy Spicy Stew Substitutes Turkey for Beef

© Melissa Roberts

Sep 21, 2009

This recipe offers a way to spice up ground turkey and feed a family a pot of warming, filling chili. After a half hour of preparation and at least an hour of simmering, the ground turkey chili is ready to serve.

Why Cook with Ground Turkey Instead of Beef

Cooking with ground turkey is lower in fat than beef. It can be a challenge to substitute ground turkey for ground beef, though, as ground turkey is very bland. Recipes like this ground turkey chili offer a way to season the turkey so that even picky eaters think they are eating beef.

Preparation for Making Ground Turkey Chili

The longer the turkey chili simmers, the more the turkey will soak in the flavors, and the better the chili will taste. For best results, leave the assembled chili in a crock-pot on low to simmer all day.

One might also assemble the chili the night before, refrigerate it, and then heat it on the stove for at least forty-five minutes before serving.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Chili

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 lb ground turkey, thawed to room temperature
• 1 Tbsp chili powder to taste
• Garlic salt to taste
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 1 16 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 16 oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 3-5 16oz cans of chili, pinto, or kidney beans, rinsed and drained. (Use three cans for soupy chili, four cans for a thicker stew).
• 1-3 cups water (optional).

Directions to Make Turkey Chili

1. Heat olive oil on medium heat in large saucepan for several minutes
2. Add onions and carrots. Sauté until onions are translucent, 5-7 minutes.
3. Add turkey and spices. Mix spices into turkey with spatula. (This step is important to ensure meat is adequately seasoned).
4. Stir to prevent mixture sticking to bottom of pan, and add more olive oil as needed. Cook until turkey meat is white (5-7 minutes). Let skillet simmer on low for several more minutes, so that the juices may blend, then turn off and set aside.
5. Add beans and tomatoes to crock pot or other large pot on medium heat.
6. When skillet mixture has cooled, add seasoned ground turkey and vegetables to the pot of beans and tomatoes. Stir well.
7. Put lid on pot and let simmer for at least a half hour. If mixture is too thick, add a cup or more of water and stir until chili reaches desired consistency.
8. Taste chili mixture. Add more chili powder, garlic salt, and/or red pepper flakes until chili has reached desired spiciness. Taste and stir between additions to avoid over seasoning.
9. Let chili simmer on medium for at least a half hour before serving.

Serving Ideas for Ground Turkey Chili

Whole-wheat saltine crackers, low-fat cheese, a green salad and a dessert of fresh fruit transform ground turkey chili into a tasty and healthy meal.

One might also enjoy a little lemon sorbet for desert, as the sorbet will refresh and cut the spicy aftertaste.

Ground turkey chili makes a classic entrée healthy and low fat, for the whole family to enjoy.

For other recipes that use ground turkey, one may enjoy Healthy Chicken Fried Steak. or Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato and Vegatables: A Healthy, Colorful Casserole for Fall.

Try Turkey in Chili for a Healthy Choice

Carrots in Turkey Chili Add Color and Nutrients

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