This turkey white bean chili recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty, healthy meal that can be whipped up quickly. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is not only flavorful but also makes excellent leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy it throughout the week. The blend of spices and ingredients creates a comforting bowl of chili that will warm you up from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean turkey and white beans, this chili is high in protein and fiber while low in fat.
- Flavorful Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika adds depth and richness to every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a standalone dish or top it with your favorite toppings like avocado or shredded cheese for added flair.
- Great for Leftovers: This turkey white bean chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the chili evenly while allowing enough room for all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot while breaking up the turkey.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently, ensuring uniform cooking.
Ingredients
This turkey white bean chili recipe is hearty, healthy, simple and quick to make, and packed with flavor. Makes great leftovers!
For the Base
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds extra lean ground turkey
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
For Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 (4 fluid ounce) cans diced green chilies
For Protein & Creaminess
- 2 (14 fluid ounce) cans white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasoning & Toppings
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro, sour cream, etc.
How to Make Turkey White Bean Chili
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Gather everything you need to make the process efficient.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
Next, add your ground turkey to the pot.
- Cook until the turkey turns white, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to incorporate the remaining flavors.
- Add diced tomatoes along with their juices to the pot.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, minced garlic, diced green chilies, and drained beans.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
Let your chili cook gently.
- Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil.
- Reduce heat to low so it’s gently simmering.
- Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
Finish off your delicious chili just before serving.
- Stir in sour cream until well blended.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings if desired!
How to Serve Turkey White Bean Chili
Serving turkey white bean chili is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Avocado Slices: Add fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips provide a satisfying contrast to the chili’s softness.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color.
- Extra Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add richness and balance the spices.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a classic pairing with chili.
- Rice: A side of fluffy rice can help soak up the delicious chili broth.
- Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
How to Perfect Turkey White Bean Chili
Making turkey white bean chili is easy, but these tips will help you elevate it even further.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can enhance the overall flavor of your chili.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños if you like it spicy.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing your chili to simmer longer enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Experiment with Beans: Try mixing different types of beans for varied texture and taste.
- Serve Chilled Leftovers: The flavors deepen as leftovers sit, making chilled servings even better!
Best Side Dishes for Turkey White Bean Chili
Pairing side dishes with your turkey white bean chili can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options.
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly.
- Green Salad: A light green salad provides freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes offer a hearty base that pairs well with chili.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your chili bowl.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies with hummus or dip add crunch and nutrition to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf adds an aromatic touch and absorbs any leftover sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making turkey white bean chili, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not sautéing the onion can lead to a lack of flavor. Always start by cooking the onion in olive oil to build a flavorful base.
- Overcooking the Turkey: Cooking the turkey too long can dry it out. Aim for just until it’s no longer pink for a juicy texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland chili. Always taste before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Rushing the Simmering Process: Quick cooking doesn’t allow flavors to meld. Be patient and let your chili simmer gently for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Forgetting Optional Toppings: Not using toppings can make your dish less exciting. Consider adding shredded cheese, avocado, or cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Turkey White Bean Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Turkey White Bean Chili
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making turkey white bean chili.
What can I serve with Turkey White Bean Chili?
Turkey white bean chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad on the side.
Can I use other beans in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute other types of beans like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.
How spicy is Turkey White Bean Chili?
The spice level depends on the amount of chili powder used. For mild chili, reduce the amount; for more heat, add additional spices or fresh jalapeños.
How long does Turkey White Bean Chili last in the fridge?
In the refrigerator, turkey white bean chili lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This turkey white bean chili is a hearty meal that satisfies and warms you up. It’s not only simple to make but also versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or extra ingredients. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Turkey White Bean Chili
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Turkey White Bean Chili that combines hearty ingredients with a medley of spices for a satisfying meal. This chili is not only quick to prepare, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish, but it’s also packed with lean ground turkey and protein-rich white beans. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to delight with its robust flavors and aromatic appeal. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep. Serve it with your favorite toppings like avocado or shredded cheese for an added touch of creaminess.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds extra lean ground turkey
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 (4 fluid ounce) cans diced green chilies
- 2 (14 fluid ounce) cans white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chili powder, minced garlic, green chilies, drained beans, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream before serving and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added spice, mix in fresh jalapeños or increase chili powder. Experiment with other bean varieties for different textures. Let the chili cool completely before storing leftovers for best flavor retention.
