Description
This Quick and Easy Maple Turkey Chili is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines lean ground turkey with fire-roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, and a sweet touch of pure maple syrup. Infused with a blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, this chili is perfectly balanced with smoky, spicy, and subtly sweet elements. It’s a delicious, healthy comfort food option that can be made in just an hour and is ideal for serving a group of four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Protein and Spices
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Other Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ to ¾ cups chicken stock
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes.
- Brown the Turkey and Spice it Up: Add the lean ground turkey to the pot along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Break apart the turkey with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the spices cook and release their flavors for 2 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, drained pinto beans, chicken stock (between ½ to ¾ cup), and pure maple syrup. Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings like tortilla chips, avocado slices, or sour cream to enhance the flavor experience.
Notes
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices; do not substitute with other syrups.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
