Healthy Stovetop Chili Recipe with Turkey

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By Mateo Ramirez - November 13, 2025

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Looking for a go-to Chili Recipe? This stovetop version is incredibly easy, flavorful, and loaded with healthy ingredients. Perfect for a cozy night in!

Healthy Stovetop Chili Recipe with Turkey

There is something special about a warm bowl of chili. It is the kind of meal that feels like a big hug. It is comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. If you have been searching for the perfect Chili Recipe, you have come to the right place. This one is a keeper.

We are making a simple yet delicious version today. It is packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and a trio of beans. The best part? It all comes together in one pot on the stove. This is a fantastic recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Let us get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, what is not to love? This Chili Recipe is a true crowd pleaser. It is incredibly simple to make, which is a huge win for busy weeknights. You do not need any fancy equipment. Just a large pot and a spoon will do the trick.

It is also a wonderfully Healthy Chili Recipe. We use lean ground turkey, which keeps it light without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it is loaded with beans and veggies. That means lots of fiber and nutrients in every single bite. It is a meal you can feel good about serving.

Customization is another big reason to love this dish. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Add more chili powder for a bigger kick or keep it mild for the kids. The topping possibilities are endless, too. Everyone can build their own bowl.

And let us talk about leftovers. Chili is one of those amazing dishes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together. It makes for a fantastic lunch or an easy dinner later in the week. Meal prep has never been so tasty.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to gather for this amazing Chili Recipe Stovetop. All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. Nothing too complicated here, I promise.

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 2 to 3 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 to 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can white chili beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups corn (canned or frozen, optional)

For the Toppings (Optional):

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocados
  • Tortilla chips or strips

Step By Step Instructions

Ready to cook? Following these simple steps will give you a delicious pot of chili. This is a very straightforward Chili Recipe Stovetop method. It is practically foolproof.

Step 1: Brown the Turkey and Veggies

First things first, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Place it over medium heat and add your olive oil. Once the oil is warm, toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Let them cook for about five minutes. You want the onions to soften and become translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell it. Now it is time for the ground turkey. Add it to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it is lightly browned all over. If there is any excess fat, you can drain it now.

Once the turkey is browned, stir in your spices. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and oregano. Stir everything together for about a minute. This little step helps toast the spices and deepens their flavor. It makes a big difference.

Step 2: Simmer to Perfection

Now for the easy part. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Then, add all three cans of your rinsed and drained beans. If you are using corn, add that in now too. Give it all a good stir to combine everything beautifully.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, the longer it simmers, the better it gets. An hour is great if you have the time. Just keep the lid slightly ajar.

Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. After it has simmered, give it a taste. You can adjust the seasonings now if needed. Maybe it needs a little more salt or an extra dash of chili powder.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve

Your delicious homemade Chili Recipe is now ready. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. This is where the fun really begins. Set out all your favorite toppings and let everyone customize their own serving. It makes the meal feel more special.

A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and some fresh cilantro is a classic combination. Diced avocado adds a nice creaminess. Crushed tortilla chips give it a wonderful crunch. Enjoy your amazing creation.

How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any chili left over, you are in luck. Storing it is super easy. First, let the chili cool down to room temperature. You do not want to put a hot pot directly into the fridge.

Once cooled, transfer the chili to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheating is simple. You can warm it up on the stove over low heat or pop it in the microwave.

This chili also freezes beautifully. For longer storage, place it in freezer safe containers or bags. It will stay good for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you plan to reheat and serve. It is a great way to have a homemade meal ready to go.

Tips

Want to make this Unique Chili Recipe even better? Here are a few tips and tricks I have learned over the years. They can help you tailor the dish to your own taste.

  • Bean Variations: Feel free to swap the beans. Pinto beans or cannellini beans work great too. Using a mix of beans adds great texture and flavor.
  • Control the Heat: For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno with the onions. For a milder version, start with less chili powder and add more to taste.
  • Protein Swap: This is a wonderful Healthy Chili Recipe with turkey, but you can also use lean ground beef or chicken. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or some lentils.
  • Thickness Control: Do you like a thicker chili? Start with just one cup of broth. If you prefer a thinner, more soup like consistency, use the full two cups. You are in control.
  • Secret Ingredients: Some people swear by adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. These can add a surprising depth of flavor to your Chili Recipe.

Conclusion

There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and hearty Chili Recipe that your whole family will love. It is the perfect meal for a cozy evening, a game day gathering, or just a regular weeknight when you want something satisfying.

This recipe is all about comfort in a bowl. It is easy to make, full of healthy ingredients, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. I hope you give this delicious chili a try. It is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

FAQ

Can I Make This Chili In A Slow Cooker?

Absolutely. To adapt this Chili Recipe for a slow cooker, first brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables on the stove as directed. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Is This Chili Recipe Spicy?

As written, this recipe is mild to medium in terms of spice. The heat comes primarily from the chili powder. You can easily control the spice level. Use a mild chili powder and start with just two tablespoons for a less spicy version. For more heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I Use Ground Beef Instead Of Turkey?

Yes, you can. Lean ground beef is a great substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. The cooking process remains the same. Just be sure to drain any excess grease after browning the beef to keep it a Healthy Chili Recipe.

What Are The Best Toppings For Chili?

The best toppings are all about personal preference. Some popular choices include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips. Sliced green onions or jalapenos are also great options for adding a fresh kick.

Chili Recipe

★★★★★

This comforting and hearty chili recipe is packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and a trio of beans, all made in one pot on the stovetop. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

⏱ Total Time: 1h 15m
🍽️ Yield: 6-8 servings

Requirements

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven, place it over medium heat, and add olive oil. Once warm, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about five minutes until the onions soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until lightly browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and oregano. Cook for about a minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, along with the drained and rinsed kidney, black, and white chili beans. If using, add the corn. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for richer flavor, with the lid slightly ajar. Stir occasionally.
  6. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or chili powder if desired.
  7. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

For leftover chili, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze beautifully for up to three months.

Feel free to customize your chili! Swap out beans for pinto or cannellini, adjust the spice level with cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno, or use lean ground beef or chicken instead of turkey. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add lentils.

Control the thickness by starting with one cup of broth for a thicker chili, or use two cups for a more soup-like consistency.

Consider adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a surprising depth of flavor.

Nutrition

380
Calories
8g
Sugar
15g
Fat
45g
Carbs

About the Author

Mateo Ramirez
November 13, 2025
The symphony of sizzling pans and aromatic spices always drew me in. My path crystallized during an apprenticeship, not in a grand kitchen, but observing a street vendor elevate a simple taco to an art form. The precision, the vibrant colors, the sheer joy on customers' faces from that single bite, I knew then my canvas would be a plate, my medium flavor.

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