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Big-Batch Turkey and Bean Chili for the Week

Big-Batch Turkey and Bean Chili for the Week

This chili makes eight generous servings from one pot: lean ground turkey, two kinds of beans, tomatoes, peppers and a warm blend of spices, simmered until thick. It reheats beautifully, freezes well and is the kind of recipe worth cooking on a Sunday so the week’s lunches and dinners are partly done.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lb ground turkey 93% lean works well
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 bell peppers any color, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • toppings plain yogurt, shredded cheese, cilantro, sliced green onion

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains and some bits are browned, 6–8 minutes.
  2. Add the onion and peppers and cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano and tomato paste. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until the spices smell toasted and the paste darkens slightly.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, beans, broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer partly covered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add the corn for the last 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust the salt and spices. Serve with your choice of toppings.

Notes

  • Ground turkey sticks more than beef; let it brown undisturbed for a minute or two before breaking it up.
  • If the chili gets too thick, add broth a splash at a time.