High Protein Turkey Chili with Hidden Veggies (+ Baked Tortilla Chips & 3 Ways to Use Leftovers)

ground turkey

🥗Healthier: ground chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground chicken is leaner, while ground beef is often more affordable.

kidney beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Black beans are higher in fiber, and pinto beans are usually less expensive.

Blend frozen vegetables (onion, pepper, carrots, spinach, garlic) with chicken bone broth until smooth to create the hidden veggie sauce and set aside.

In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and brown 2 lbs of extra lean ground turkey for 4-5 minutes on one side until browned, then break apart and fully cook.

Add 2 packets of chili seasoning to the cooked turkey and stir to combine.

Deglaze the skillet with 12 oz of non-alcoholic beer, cooking for 4-5 minutes until very little liquid remains.

Add 2 cans of chili beans and 28 oz can of fire roasted crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Add the hidden veggie sauce to the skillet and stir well. If using picky eaters, blend the tomatoes into the veggie mixture before adding.

Add 2 bay leaves, bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 2 hours for best flavor.

Finish the chili by adding balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar-forward hot sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

To make baked tortilla chips, cut extra thin corn tortillas into fourths, spray with avocado oil or brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.

Squeeze lime juice over the baked tortilla chips if desired, then let cool for a minute or two to crisp up.

For chili mac and cheese, cook boxed high protein mac and cheese, fold in reheated leftover chili, place in a mini Dutch oven, top with cheese, and bake in a 450°F oven for 10 minutes until golden brown.

For stuffed baked potatoes, coat potatoes in avocado oil spray, poke with a fork, and air fry at 350-375°F for 35-45 minutes until the internal temperature is 205-211°F, then slice open and fill with chili and shredded cheese, returning to the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

For chili cheese burritos, use counter protein tortillas, add cilantro lime rice, leftover chili, and shredded cheese, roll up, and grill until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary