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Smoky No-Bean Turkey Chili: Best 30-Min Easy Recipe

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A thick, hearty, and smoky turkey chili made without beans. This quick weeknight dinner relies on browned meat, sweet corn, and chipotle peppers for a rich, satisfying texture and complex flavor profile.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred), undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 small square dark chocolate (approx. 0.5 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and mince the chipotle peppers with adobo sauce. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices without burning.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes until deeply browned and no longer pink.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and minced chipotle peppers. Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
  7. Stir in the frozen corn and dark chocolate. Simmer for another 2 minutes until corn is heated and chocolate is melted.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve hot with desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.

Notes

Do not skip browning the meat for deep flavor. Control heat when adding spices to prevent burning. The apple cider vinegar is crucial for balancing the smoky richness. For a vegetarian option, substitute turkey with lentils or tempeh.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, no bean chili, smoky chili, quick dinner, weeknight meals, healthy chili, gluten-free recipes, chipotle chili

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/smoky-no-bean-turkey-chili-best-30-min-easy-recipe/