If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that doesn’t skimp on nutrition, you’ve come to the right place. This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a cozy dinner, this chili packs a punch with lean ground turkey, three types of beans, and a blend of spices that’ll warm you up from the inside out. Stick with me—I’ll share all the tips to make sure yours comes out just right every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy & Hearty: Loaded with lean turkey and three varieties of beans, it’s protein-packed and fiber-rich for real staying power.
Versatile Cooking Methods: I’ve made this on the stove, in the Instant Pot, and slow cooker—so you can pick what fits your schedule.
Kid-Friendly Flavor: The gentle warmth of chili powder and cumin means it’s flavorful without being overpowering.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making weeknight dinners or busy lunches a breeze.

A white bowl with a dark rim holds a thick dark red chili filled with beans and ground meat. On top, there is a layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese on one side, a dollop of white sour cream in the center, sliced green jalapeño rings below, and chopped green onions and cilantro scattered around. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with light-colored tortilla chips on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Healthy Ground Turkey Chili, ground turkey chili, healthy chili recipe, easy turkey chili, nutritious comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together in a flavor-packed way, and I recommend fresh veggies and quality spices to really lift your dish.

Flat lay of fresh ground turkey shaped into a neat mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped yellow onions, four whole uncracked garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl with deep brown packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing rich red chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with warm tan ground cumin, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse white salt, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with fire roasted crushed tomatoes showing seeds and charred pieces, three small white ceramic bowls each with kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans all shiny and fresh looking, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Healthy Ground Turkey Chili, ground turkey chili, healthy chili recipe, easy turkey chili, nutritious comfort food

Olive oil: I use this to sauté — adds a subtle richness and helps develop flavor without extra heaviness.
Yellow onion: Chopped finely, it forms the sweet, savory base you’ll love.
Ground turkey: Lean but packed with protein, a healthier swap for beef that still delivers hearty satisfaction.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds that punch of aroma and depth you can’t skip.
Brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes—trust me, this little trick keeps the chili mellow and rich.
Chili powder: The signature spice blend—adjust to your preferred heat level, I tend to go moderate.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth, one of my secrets for authentic chili flavor.
Dried oregano: Subtle herbal note that complements the tomato and beans beautifully.
Salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavors, be sure to season gradually and taste as you go.
Tomato paste: This thickens up the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps it juicy without overpowering, plus helps control salt content.
Fire roasted crushed tomatoes: Brings a smoky note that really takes this chili to the next level.
Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans: Rinsed and drained — I love the variety of textures and colors they add.
Toppings (optional): Shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and chopped onions are some of my favorites to add that extra zing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is a perfect base soup for tweaking – feel free to make it your own with these simple changes I’ve enjoyed over the years.

Spice it up: When I want extra heat, I add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. My family goes crazy for the mild kick this adds.
Vegetarian twist: Try swapping the turkey for extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a meatless, hearty chili.
Slow cooker style: I sometimes toss everything in the Crockpot for a busy day, and it comes out perfectly tender after a few hours on low.
Instant Pot shortcut: If you’re tight on time, the pressure cooker method delivers rich flavor fast – I share timing below.

How to Make Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Brown the Turkey

First things first, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it cook until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes is perfect. I like to stir often so the onions don’t brown too quickly. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add your ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, taking care not to overcook or dry it out. This step really builds your chili’s flavor base, so don’t rush!

Step 2: Season and Add Tomato Base

Once your turkey is browned, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Stir everything together well—you’ll smell those spices bloom, and that’s when you know it’s cooking right. Then, stir in the tomato paste; it thickens things up and gives the chili a deep tomato flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Simmer and Add Beans

Bring your chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes to an hour. I usually stir every 10-15 minutes to keep things from sticking. About 15 minutes before serving, add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. This timing keeps their texture intact so they don’t get mushy but warm through. Trust me, the slow simmer really melds everything together beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Use Lean Turkey: I always pick 93% lean or higher to keep it healthy but juicy.
Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the turkey and onions properly adds layers of flavor that make this chili special.
Adjust Spice to Taste: Start with one tablespoon of chili powder and add more at the end if you want a little more heat.
Simmer Low and Slow: Patient simmering helps the flavors marry and thickens the chili naturally—avoid rushing this part!

How to Serve Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick chili made of dark red beans and brown meat in a deep red sauce. On top, there is a layer of bright orange shredded cheese, a dollop of white sour cream, and green chopped spring onions with a slice of green jalapeño pepper and fresh cilantro leaves. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered shredded cheese and green herb sprigs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Healthy Ground Turkey Chili, ground turkey chili, healthy chili recipe, easy turkey chili, nutritious comfort food

Garnishes

I love topping this chili with a bit of shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for that melty goodness. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and cools down the spices nicely. Fresh cilantro and chopped green onions give a fresh pop that brightens every bite. You could also sprinkle on some crushed tortilla chips for a fun crunch—my family always asks for extras!

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it simple with warm cornbread or a crusty whole-grain bread to soak up all that great chili sauce. A leafy green salad on the side balances the meal perfectly for a nutritious lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun weeknight twist or a casual gathering, I sometimes spoon this chili into baked sweet potatoes or pile it over brown rice bowls. It’s also fantastic as a filling for stuffed bell peppers topped with cheese, then baked till bubbly. These ideas have made this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe a crowd-pleaser at parties and family dinners alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chili actually tastes better the next day once all those flavors have fully fused, so it makes an awesome next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, you’ll find it still tastes fresh and the beans hold up well. Just make sure to cool it fully before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating

Reheating is easy: warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly without sticking or drying out. I sometimes add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it’s too thick after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I make this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning your turkey and sautéing onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add your tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices, then cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a super hands-off way to get rich flavors without much fuss.
What can I substitute if I don’t have all three beans?

No worries! You can use just one or two types of beans if that’s what you have on hand. Pinto, kidney, or black beans alone work beautifully, or try adding chickpeas for a slightly different texture. The chili will still be hearty and delicious.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef in chili?

Definitely. Ground turkey is leaner, so it cuts down on fat and calories but still delivers a satisfying texture. Just be sure to brown it well and season it adequately so you don’t lose any richness usually provided by beef.
Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes! Increase the chili powder, add some cayenne pepper, or toss in diced jalapeños during the sauté step. Start small, as chili flavors intensify with cooking and resting.
How long does this chili last in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, the chili stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Beyond that, the flavor may still be good but the texture of beans and meat can change.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe really has a special spot in my kitchen rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on cooler days while being healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free. I love how approachable it is and how easy it adapts to your mood or schedule. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming your go-to chili recipe like I did, and your family will thank you for it.