3 Bean Turkey Chili Recipe for a Hearty Healthy Meal

When chilly evenings arrive or when you crave a hearty, comforting meal packed with flavors and nutrition, nothing beats a warm bowl of chili. Our 3 Bean Turkey Chili recipe is a delicious twist on the classic chili, combining lean ground turkey with a medley of beans for a protein-rich, satisfying dish.

This chili is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even casual get-togethers. Its rich tomato base, aromatic spices, and colorful beans make every bite a delightful experience that’s both healthy and filling.

Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or trying to eat a bit healthier without compromising on taste, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Plus, if you’re interested in more wholesome and tasty recipes, don’t miss our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for easy, nutritious meals perfect for on-the-go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 3 Bean Turkey Chili stands out for several reasons. First, it’s packed with lean protein from the turkey and plant-based protein from the beans, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

The combination of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans adds a variety of textures and flavors that complement the ground turkey beautifully.

It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. The recipe allows for plenty of customization – you can adjust the spice level, add veggies like bell peppers or corn, or even swap turkey for chicken or beef.

The slow simmering melds the flavors perfectly, making it a flavorful, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.

Lastly, it’s a budget-friendly meal that stores and reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. If you want to explore more quick and delicious dishes, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for easy sandwich ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Colander or strainer (for rinsing beans)
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse and drain the kidney, black, and pinto beans. Dice the onion and green bell pepper, mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
5. Add bell pepper and spices: Stir in the diced green bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices and soften the pepper.
6. Incorporate tomato paste and liquids: Mix in the tomato paste until well combined. Then pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir thoroughly.
7. Add the beans: Gently fold in the kidney, black, and pinto beans. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
8. Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Let the chili simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste your chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
10. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

“For an even deeper flavor, consider browning the turkey in batches to avoid steaming it. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or a square of dark chocolate for a subtle richness.”

Feel free to customize this chili by adding other veggies like corn, zucchini, or carrots. If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some beans with the back of your spoon during the simmering stage.

For a spicier version, increase the cayenne or add chopped jalapeños.

If ground turkey isn’t your favorite, swap it with ground chicken or lean ground beef. For a vegetarian twist, omit the meat and add extra beans or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

This recipe also freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking.

Looking for other comforting soup recipes? Try our Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for a tasty vegetable soup or Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for a flavorful bean sauce alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is fantastic on its own or served alongside warm cornbread or tortilla chips. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra creaminess.

Fresh avocado slices or jalapeño slices make excellent toppings, too.

For a low-carb option, serve the chili over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Alternatively, spoon it over a baked sweet potato for a wholesome, filling meal.

Pair with a crisp green salad to round out your dinner.

Conclusion

The 3 Bean Turkey Chili recipe is a wonderful combination of taste, nutrition, and comfort all in one pot. It’s perfect for those who want a hearty meal without the heaviness of traditional chili, thanks to the lean turkey and fiber-rich beans.

This dish is easy to prepare, highly customizable, and freezes beautifully, making it a practical option for busy lifestyles.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this chili will satisfy your cravings for a warm, delicious, and nutritious meal. Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious to keep your meals exciting and flavorful.

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