Turkey & Black Bean Chili
A hearty one-pot chili made with lean ground turkey, black beans, kidney beans,
and fire-roasted tomatoes. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoky paprika,
this protein-packed chili is satisfying, low in sodium, and perfect for meal
prep or feeding a crowd.
A great chili should be thick, warming, and deeply flavorful — and this turkey
and black bean version delivers on all counts. By using lean ground turkey
instead of beef, you get plenty of protein with less saturated fat. The
double-bean combination of black beans and kidney beans adds creaminess,
fiber, and an extra protein boost.
What really sets this chili apart is the spice blend. Chili powder, cumin,
smoked paprika, and a touch of oregano create complex, layered flavor without
relying on a heavy hand of salt. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle
smokiness that makes this taste like it's been simmering all day, even though
it comes together in under an hour.
This is a meal prep champion. It tastes even better the next day as the
flavors meld, and it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Each serving
packs 28 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber, making it one of the most
filling and nutritionally complete meals in our collection.
✅ Why This Recipe Is Healthy
- • High protein: 28g per serving from turkey and beans
- • High fiber: 11g per serving from two types of beans
- • Low sodium: 350mg per serving compared to 800+ in canned chili
- • Lean protein: Ground turkey keeps saturated fat low
- • One-pot meal: Easy cooking, easy cleanup
📊 Why This Recipe Scored 81/100
With an overall health score of 81/100, this recipe is a solid, balanced option. Its strongest area is nutrient quality (100/100), where 30g of protein and 13g of fiber make it genuinely nourishing. The main thing holding the score back is sodium balance (67/100), because 757mg of sodium is above the per-meal comfort zone.
How our scoring worksTrans Fat Warning
This recipe contains 0.1g trans fat per serving. Trans fats increase heart disease risk and should be avoided when possible.
Ingredients
- ✓ 500g ground turkey
- ✓ 1 tbsp olive oil
- ✓ 1 large yellow onion, diced
- ✓ 2 medium red bell pepper
- ✓ 4 cloves garlic
- ✓ 1.5 cups canned black beans
- ✓ 1.5 cups canned kidney beans
- ✓ 28 oz canned tomatoes
- ✓ 1 cup water
- ✓ 2 tbsp chili powder
- ✓ 1 tbsp cumin
- ✓ 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ✓ 1 tsp dried oregano
- ✓ 0.25 tsp table salt
- ✓ 0.5 tsp black pepper
- ✓ 1 tbsp lime
Instructions
-
1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
-
2
Add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
-
3
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables evenly and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
-
4
Add the diced tomatoes with juices, drained and rinsed black beans, drained and rinsed kidney beans, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
-
5
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
-
6
Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Health Scores
Overall Health Score
Excellent Stability
Moderate Sodium
Nutrient Dense
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving
Health Highlights
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