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Chili is more than just a meal; it's a comforting embrace in a bowl, especially during the chilly months when warmth is a must. This Hearty Turkey Chili with a Kick not only satisfies hunger but also tantalizes your taste buds with its unique blend of spices and wholesome ingredients. By using ground turkey, this recipe offers a leaner alternative to traditional beef chili without sacrificing flavor. The addition of beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a medley of aromatic vegetables ensures that every bite is filled with rich, hearty goodness. Get ready to elevate your chili game with a spicy twist that will leave you wanting more.

Savory Turkey Chili with Beans

Warm up your chilly evenings with this Hearty Turkey Chili with a Kick! This comforting dish combines lean ground turkey with kidney and black beans, diced tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic veggies to create a bowl full of flavor and nutrition. Perfectly spiced with chili powder, cumin, and a dash of cayenne, this recipe is both satisfying and healthy. Top it off with cheese or sour cream for an extra treat, and enjoy a delightful meal with family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice tolerance)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

    Brown the Turkey: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the turkey for about 6-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. If there is excess fat, drain it from the pot.

      Season the Mixture: Reduce the heat back to medium. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

        Add the Ingredients: Carefully pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, rinsed kidney beans, rinsed black beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to completely combine all the ingredients into a hearty mixture.

          Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it cook for a minimum of 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For a thicker chili, remove the lid in the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

            Taste and Adjust: Once the chili is done simmering, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.

              Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime. This chili pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a bed of rice for a satisfying meal!

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6 servings