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comforting turkey chili recipe

Hearty Turkey Chili

This protein-packed turkey chili combines lean meat with fiber-rich beans and vegetables for a satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour. The secret addition of molasses creates depth of flavor, while fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked red kidney beans about 2 15-ounce cans, drained
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey
  • 2 cups chopped canned tomatoes with their liquid
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrot
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground turkey and sauté until completely cooked through, about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add chopped yellow onion and carrot to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
  5. Stir in kidney beans, chopped tomatoes with their liquid, molasses, black pepper, and hot chili powder.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a complete meal, serve with cornbread, a crisp green salad, or top with Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado.
To adjust the spice level, increase or decrease the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.