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Healthy Turkey White Bean Chili: Easy One Pot Meal

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This healthy turkey and white bean chili is a one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights, with a smoky, slightly spicy aroma that fills your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large poblano pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: Dice the onion, poblano, and jalapeño. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the white beans. Open the can of tomatoes.
  2. Brown the turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Break it up and continue cooking until no pink remains. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion, poblano, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and onion is translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the flavor base: Add the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and spices are fragrant.
  5. Deglaze the pot: Pour in about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift browned bits.
  6. Combine everything: Return the browned turkey to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), remaining chicken broth, and drained white beans. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Simmer: Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After about 20 minutes, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon to thicken the chili.
  8. Finish and season: Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

Don’t rush the browning of the turkey for best flavor. Toast spices in oil to unlock their full potential. Mash some beans to thicken the chili naturally. Season as you go for layered flavor. Let the chili rest before serving for better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, white bean chili, healthy chili, one pot meal, easy chili recipe, ground turkey recipe, weeknight dinner, meal prep

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/healthy-turkey-white-bean-chili-easy-one-pot-meal/