Turkey White Bean Chili
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Turkey White Bean Chili is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to whip up on busy weeknights or perfect for family gatherings. The combination of lean turkey and creamy white beans makes this dish both hearty and healthy, ensuring there’s something for everyone to love.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly autumn evening, and it quickly became a staple in my home. It’s packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and even better as leftovers! It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Let me show you how to make this delightfully comforting chili!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking, dinner will be ready in no time.
- Hearty and Healthy: Packed with protein from the turkey and fiber from the beans, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavors; it’s sure to become a hit in your household!
- Great Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day! Perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.
- Customizable Toppings: Top with avocado, cheese, or anything your heart desires for extra flavor and fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Turkey White Bean Chili are simple and wholesome. You might already have many of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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, extra sour cream, etc.
Variations
This Turkey White Bean Chili is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these variations:
- Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat for a different twist.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Change up the beans: Substitute with navy beans or great northern beans for variety.
How to Make Turkey White Bean Chili
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by getting everything ready. Chop your onion and mince your garlic. This step is essential because having all your ingredients prepped will make cooking smoother. Plus, sautéing the onions until they are soft brings out their natural sweetness!
Step 2: Sauté Onions
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil and toss in those chopped onions. Sauté them for about five minutes until they become translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your chili.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
Next up, add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook it until it turns white—about five minutes—breaking it up with a spoon as you go. This keeps everything nice and crumbly.
Step 4: Add Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in all those delicious flavors! Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic, green chilies, and white beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Simmer
Once everything is bubbling away, reduce the heat so it gently simmers. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully!
Step 6: Stir in Sour Cream
Finally, stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot right away—either as is or topped with your favorite goodies!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this hearty Turkey White Bean Chili! It’s truly one of those recipes that feels like home-cooked love in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey White Bean Chili
Creating a delicious turkey white bean chili is a breeze with these handy tips to elevate your dish!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables can make a significant difference in flavor. They bring out the natural tastes and aromas that enhance your chili.
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Adjust the spice level: If you enjoy a kick, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños. Tailoring the spiciness to your preference will ensure that everyone enjoys it!
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Let it simmer longer: While 15-20 minutes is sufficient, allowing your chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. Just be sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick!
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Try different beans: While cannellini beans are fantastic, experimenting with other beans like great northern or navy beans can add variety and texture to your chili.
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Make it ahead of time: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Consider making a batch ahead of time for an easy meal later in the week!
How to Serve Turkey White Bean Chili
Serving turkey white bean chili is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors to create a delightful meal experience.
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the richness of the chili.
- Avocado slices: Creamy avocado provides a lovely contrast in texture and flavor, enhancing every bite.
- Tortilla strips: Crunchy tortilla strips bring an enjoyable crunch that balances the smoothness of the chili.
Side Dishes
- Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, offering a comforting balance of flavors.
- Garden salad: A light garden salad with crisp vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side that complements the hearty chili.
- Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa adds substance and helps soak up those delicious juices.
- Guacamole and chips: The creamy guacamole paired with crunchy tortilla chips creates an excellent appetizer or snack alongside your chili.
Enjoy making this turkey white bean chili! It’s perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Turkey White Bean Chili is perfect for meal prep! It can be made in advance, stored, and enjoyed throughout the week, making it a convenient and wholesome option for busy days.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Label your container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Freezing
- Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as the chili may expand when frozen.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. For best flavor, consume within 1-2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Alternatively, use the microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Turkey White Bean Chili that you might have!
Can I make Turkey White Bean Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the turkey and onion in a skillet first for added flavor. Then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How can I make this Turkey White Bean Chili spicier?
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder. You can also include hot sauce to taste when serving.
Is Turkey White Bean Chili healthy?
Yes! This dish is packed with lean protein from turkey and fiber from white beans, making it a nutritious option that’s low in fat but high in flavor.
Can I substitute other beans in this Turkey White Bean Chili?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out cannellini beans for other varieties like navy beans or pinto beans according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Turkey White Bean Chili as much as I do! It’s hearty, healthy, and so easy to prepare—perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for busy weeks ahead. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and spices to make it your own. Happy cooking!
Turkey White Bean Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm up with this hearty Turkey White Bean Chili, a perfect blend of lean turkey and creamy white beans that brings comfort to your dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Rich in protein and fiber, this chili is not only satisfying but also healthy. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time! Plus, it makes great leftovers, allowing you to enjoy the flavors even more the next day. Customize it with your favorite toppings for added flair, making it a dish everyone will love.
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, extra sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until no longer pink (approximately 5 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic, green chilies, and white beans until well combined.
- Reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
