Hearty Turkey Chili Con Carne
This turkey chili recipe is a modern take on a beloved family classic, offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili without skimping on flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish infuses ground turkey with a robust mix of spices and vegetables, yielding a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any gathering. Spice levels can be adjusted to suit your taste, and it's a great make-ahead meal with leftovers that only get better with time. Serve with your favorite toppings for a meal that will warm your soul.
8
Servings
225
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey breast
1 lb (browned and reserved)
green bell pepper
1 large (chopped)
onion
1 medium (grated)
hot chili pepper
1-2 (minced as fine as possible)
tomato puree
32 ounces (none)
spicy kidney beans
12 ounces (none)
chopped tomatoes
12 ounces (none)
chili powder
3 tablespoons (none)
cumin
2 tablespoons (none)
oregano
1 tablespoon (none)
paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
2 teaspoons (none)
red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Place canned tomato puree, spicy kidney beans, and chopped tomatoes into the Crockpot.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and green bell pepper until they are soft and translucent. Transfer them to the Crockpot.
3
Add minced hot chili pepper and all spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes) to the Crockpot.
4
Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
5
Cover the Crockpot and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours, depending on when you'd like to serve.
6
30 minutes before serving, brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Add the browned turkey to the chili in the Crockpot.
7
Gently stir the chili and let it continue cooking for the remaining time to allow the turkey to absorb the flavors.
8
Serve hot with desired toppings like cheddar cheese, oyster crackers, or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
16g
Protein
5g
Fiber
500mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Turkey Chili Con Carne?
It is a modern take on a classic chili, using ground turkey for a lighter meal with a rich blend of spices and vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How long do I cook it on low heat?
In a Crockpot, cook it for 6 to 8 hours on the low setting.
How long do I cook it on high heat?
In a Crockpot, cook it for 3 to 4 hours on the high setting.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey breast?
Yes, ground beef can be used as a traditional substitute, though turkey breast is recommended for a lighter version.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Is this chili high in protein?
Yes, it contains 16 grams of protein per serving.
What type of beans does the recipe call for?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of spicy kidney beans.
Do I need to cook the turkey before adding it to the Crockpot?
Yes, brown the ground turkey in a skillet about 30 minutes before serving, then add it to the chili.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes green bell pepper, onion, and minced hot chili pepper.
What spices give this chili its flavor?
The spice blend includes chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
How can I adjust the spiciness?
You can adjust the amount of hot chili pepper and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions and peppers?
Yes, sautéing the onions and green bell peppers until translucent helps develop their flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
What are some recommended toppings?
Popular toppings include cheddar cheese, oyster crackers, or tortilla chips.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are approximately 6.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 5 grams of fiber.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content is 500mg per serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead meal and leftovers often taste better as the flavors meld over time.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 13 ingredients in total.
What kind of tomato base is used?
The recipe uses 32 ounces of tomato puree and 12 ounces of chopped tomatoes.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cumin.
Can I substitute the spicy kidney beans?
Yes, you can use regular kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What is the purpose of the minced hot chili pepper?
It adds a direct heat and fresh chili flavor to the dish.
Should the onion be chopped or grated?
The ingredient list specifies that the onion should be grated.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a suitable lean alternative to turkey breast.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a family favorite recipe.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The recipe data indicates that sugar content is null, meaning there is no specified added sugar.
How much oregano is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oregano.