Craving a mouthwatering chili that'll knock your taste buds off without breaking the calorie bank? Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner obsession: Spicy White Bean Turkey Chili! This Mexican-inspired dish is about to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and a perfect blend of spices, this chili isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the meat. Stir to distribute the spices evenly and cook for another minute to enhance their flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and stir to combine with the meat mixture.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot and gently mix everything together.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, toast your spices in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to release their essential oils and deepen the taste profile.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the browning process for the ground turkey—letting it develop a nice golden color adds significant depth to your chili's overall flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture.
- For an extra kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño with the onions or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance—the flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- For a complete meal, serve with warm cornbread, over rice, or topped with fresh avocado slices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
