Healthy Turkey Vegetable Chili (No beans!)
Turkey Vegetable Chili comes together in 30 minutes and is a great recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful bowl of chili without the heaviness of red meat or the carbs from beans!
Turkey Vegetable Chili is a twist on a traditional beef-based chili recipe. It’s a hearty meal without the heaviness of red meat or the carbs from beans. Made with lean ground turkey, a variety of colorful vegetables and spices, the best part is how it comes together in just 30 minutes. This turkey veggie chili recipe is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or game day!
I recently served this chili at a large gathering of friends where I needed to accommodate different dietary needs. Some friends avoiding red meat, others cutting back on carbs – and it was a total crowd-pleaser. This has definitely become one of my go-to recipes, especially when I’m craving a nutritious meal with lean protein and tons of veggies. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a lighter take on a classic comfort food, this healthy turkey chili recipe checks all the boxes!
Ingredients for Turkey Vegetable Chili
I love how simple the ingredients for this Turkey Vegetable Chili are while still being deeply flavorful and satisfying. There are four key components you’ll need for this easy ground turkey chili:
- Ground Turkey: While not the most traditional chili meat, I like using a ground turkey blend that’s about 93% lean. It keeps the chili hearty and packed with lean protein without being greasy. It’s also a great option for those avoiding red meat but still craving a meaty, comforting dish.
- Vegetables: An onion base is layered with chopped celery, zucchini, and red and green bell pepper. These veggies help boost the nutritional value and help make the chili feel extra hearty – without the need for beans.
- Canned Tomatoes: For the liquid base, I use a mix of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, with a little bit of chicken stock. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smokiness and depth, while the tomato sauce and tomato paste bring just the right touch of sweetness and balance.
- Spices: A blend of classic chili spices – ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and garlic powder – gives this dish its signature warmth and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can! While this recipe was developed with ground turkey to keep it lighter and red meat–free, it works just as well with ground beef if that’s what you prefer. Just keep in mind that beef will give it a slightly richer, heartier flavor. To keep the fat content on the lower side, use a lean ground beef blend.
You definitely can use extra lean ground turkey (like 99% lean), but it will result in a lighter, less rich chili. I really think the 93% lean blend suggested in this recipe is a great middle ground. That bit of fat goes a long way in boosting taste and mouthfeel.
Absolutely! While this recipe is bean-free to keep it lower in carbs, the beauty of chili is it’s adaptable and beans are a classic chili addition. If you’d like to include them, there are a few types of beans I would recommend. Black beans, pinto beans, white beans, garbanzo beans, and red kidney beans would all be great options.
Chili toppings are a great way to customize your bowl. Some tasty options include shredded cheddar cheese, fresh avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, or a squeeze of lime. You can also serve it with a side of tortilla chips or cornbread.
Let any leftover chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions or a large freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove top or in the microwave until heated through.
Related Recipes
Looking for other chili recipes? Check out my vegetarian 5-Bean Chili. It’s hearty, smokey and delicious, you won’t even miss the meat!
Print
Turkey Vegetable Chili
Turkey Vegetable Chili comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful bowl of chili without the heaviness of red meat or the carbs from beans!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 ribs of celery, diced
- 1 large red pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 4 oz can diced green chilis
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 oz can diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
Optional toppings for serving
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- COOK TURKEY: Heat the oil in a large heavy pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook using a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- COOK VEGETABLES: Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini, stir until well combined with the turkey. Cover and cook for 5 minutes stirring regularly to help the vegetables start to soften.
- ADD SEASONINGS: Add the diced green chilis, oregano, chili powder, cumin garlic powder, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth and stir well to combine.
- SIMMER: Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce is flavorful.
- SERVE: Taste and add additional salt if needed. Serve in bowls with and add your favorite optional toppings as desired.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 3/4 cup
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 955.4 mg
- Fat: 18.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 21.8 g
- Protein: 31.9 g
- Cholesterol: 113.7 mg
This is my go-to turkey chili – awesome for feeding a crowd or weekly meal prep. Freezes great too!