Are you tired of battling with family members who run from vegetables? Get ready to revolutionize mealtime with our Healthy Turkey Chili Hidden Veggies recipe! This isn't just another boring chili - it's a nutritional ninja that transforms classic comfort food into a powerhouse of flavor and health. Packed with lean protein, hidden vegetables, and robust spices, this chili will have everyone asking for seconds without realizing they're devouring a seriously nutritious meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and garlic. Ensure beans are drained and rinsed thoroughly.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it apart using a wooden spoon, cooking until it's no longer pink and starts to brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the turkey, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate chopped bell peppers and zucchini into the meat mixture, stirring to combine and allowing vegetables to soften slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring to evenly distribute the spices and coat the meat and vegetables.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and both types of beans, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or shredded cheese if desired.
Tips
- Chop vegetables finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the chili, making them virtually undetectable for veggie-shy eaters.
- Use fresh ground turkey for the leanest protein option, and ensure it's thoroughly browned to develop rich, deep flavors.
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow cooking allows spices to meld and vegetables to soften completely.
- For extra flavor depth, consider toasting your spices in the pan for 30-60 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- If you want to make the chili even more nutritious, consider adding a handful of finely grated carrots or spinach during cooking.
- Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and integrate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container - this chili often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
