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Easy One-Pot Turkey Chili with Black Beans & Corn

easy one-pot turkey chili - featured image

A quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pot turkey chili that comes together in under 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple pantry staples like ground turkey, black beans, and corn for a hearty meal that is naturally gluten-free and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • Splash of olive oil (optional, for browning)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil if needed, then add the ground turkey. Break the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon and brown for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving a little for richness.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot with the turkey and sautΓ© for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking, stirring until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook with the onion and turkey for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.
  4. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly, toasting the spices for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the rinsed black beans and frozen corn. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot partially and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the turkey is well-browned to build flavor. Cook the tomato paste briefly to remove metallic taste. Use low-sodium broth and rinse beans thoroughly to control salt levels. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Can be adapted for slow cooker (low 6-8 hours) or Instant Pot (high pressure 10 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, one pot meal, healthy dinner, quick weeknight dinner, black bean chili, gluten free recipe, meal prep, ground turkey recipes