High-Protein Turkey Chilli Bowl
Why this recipe works
- Smoky, rounded flavour: Toasting the chilli powder, cumin and smoked paprika with the turkey helps build depth before the tomatoes are added.
- Simple one-pot method: The onion, turkey, spices, tomatoes and beans all cook in the same pot, keeping the workflow straightforward and the washing-up minimal.
- Good for make-ahead meals: The chilli keeps well in the fridge or freezer, with the yoghurt and coriander added fresh after reheating.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For a gentler bowl: Use a mild chilli powder and finish with extra Greek yoghurt to soften the heat.
- For more heat: Swap in hot chilli powder, or add a little more chilli gradually until the heat suits your taste.
- Keep the finish fresh: Add the yoghurt and coriander after cooking so the cooling, herbal notes stay distinct against the smoky chilli.
Texture tips
- For a thicker chilli: Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring more often near the end so the tomato base reduces without catching.
- Keep the turkey tender: Once the turkey is no longer pink, let it finish gently in the sauce rather than boiling hard, as lean mince can dry out quickly.
Make-ahead tips
- Make it for meal prep: Cool the chilli quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container and add the yoghurt and coriander only when serving.
- Freeze without toppings: Freeze the cooked chilli base without the Greek yoghurt or fresh coriander for the best texture after reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water, stirring until piping hot throughout.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of the salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the minced turkey and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Stir in the mild chilli powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Tip in the chopped tomatoes and water, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the turkey is cooked through. Stir in the kidney beans and simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.
- Take the pot off the heat and taste, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and top each with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt. Finish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a thicker chilli, simmer uncovered for an extra 5 minutes, stirring more often towards the end so it does not catch.
- If you are serving vulnerable groups, make sure the turkey is piping hot all the way through before serving.
- Let the chilli sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving so the flavours settle and the texture thickens slightly.
Substitutions
- Replace Greek yogurt with crème fraîche for a richer finish.
- Replace mild chili powder with hot chili powder for more heat.
- Replace red kidney beans with canned black beans for a slightly sweeter, earthier flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool the chilli quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water, stirring, until piping hot; add the Greek yogurt and fresh coriander after reheating. Freeze the chilli without the Greek yogurt and fresh coriander for best texture.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 40min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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Allergens:
Milk
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