How to Make the Perfect Turkey and Black Bean Chili
American · Easy · 60 min · 6 servings
This lean turkey and black bean chili is bold, smoky, and incredibly satisfying without being heavy. It is one of the best freezer meals you can make because the flavors deepen even more after freezing and reheating.
Why this recipe works
This Turkey and Black Bean Chili recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Turkey
In a large pot over medium-high heat cook the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices
Add the diced bell pepper and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the chili powder and cook for 1 minute more to bloom the spices.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the drained black beans. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cool and Freeze
Remove the chili from heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer into labeled freezer bags or airtight containers in meal-sized portions. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat on the stovetop or microwave adding a splash of water if needed.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground turkey → ground chicken or lean ground beef
- black beans → kidney beans or pinto beans
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much liquid before freezing which makes the chili watery after reheating
- Not blooming the chili powder which results in a flat and dull flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 28g protein, 30g carbs, 8g fat, 9g fiber.
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