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Healthy Turkey White Bean Chili: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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A quick and healthy turkey white bean chili made with pantry staples, ready in 30 minutes. Lean turkey, creamy white beans, and warm spices create a comforting yet light bowl of chili that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the white beans.
  2. Brown the turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the turkey. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Bloom the spices: Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the liquids and beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Add the drained white beans. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Simmer and season: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Finish and serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

Don’t drain the turkey completely after browning; the little bit of fat adds moisture and flavor. Toast the spices properly for best flavor. Let the chili rest 5-10 minutes before serving for flavors to meld. Adjust heat to preference by adding diced jalapeño or cayenne. Don’t overcook the beans; 15-20 minutes is the sweet spot.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, white bean chili, healthy chili, 30-minute chili, easy chili recipe, ground turkey recipe, white bean turkey chili