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Clean Eating: Turkey and Quinoa Chili

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Are you looking for an easy and healthy chili recipe? This turkey and quinoa chili is full of delicious ingredients. The best part? It's considered clean eating making it great for a healthy dinner.

One of my new favorite things to cook with is Quinoa. I have been using it in breakfast meals, desserts, rice dishes, and more. Now, I can add chili to the mix with my delicious Turkey and Quinoa Chili.

This dish is SO packed with flavor and is super good for you too. This chili is packed with things like quinoa and black beans which add extra protein to your diet.

How to Make Healthy Turkey Quinoa Chili

For this simple recipe, you need the following ingredients —

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 16-ounce package of Lean Ground Turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced fine
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can of Rotel mild, undrained
  • 1 Can of 14.5-ounce Diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 16-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed (you can also use kidney beans if you prefer the flavor of those)
  • ½ cup uncooked quinoa
  • toppings: chopped avocado, lime wedges, plain yogurt or sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro if desired

Add ground turkey meat to the chili instead of ground beef, because it makes it leaner and healthier.

You will want to add this recipe to your “must make again” list. It is so easy and in about 30 minutes you can have a fulfilling and healthy dish on the table. If you are pressed for time and want to make it quicker, you can throw it into the Instant Pot too.

It is packed with hearty black beans, delicious veggies, lean ground turkey, and a little quinoa. I created this recipe because I was looking for a healthier version of chili than my normal simple easy chili recipe.

In a large saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat and add the onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent and softened. 

Add in the turkey meat, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well done, 165°F internal temperature as measured by a meat thermometer. 

Add broth, tomatoes, beans, ROTEL, and quinoa, and then place on simmer for about 30 minutes or so until the quinoa cooks all the way. 

The chili will thicken over time. Ladle chili into bowls. Serve with desired toppings. My favorite toppings are sour cream, lime wedges, and a few tortilla chips for dipping.

Do I have to Use Quinoa?

No — you do not have to use quinoa. You can leave it out. However, the quinoa adds extra protein to your dish and our bodies need lots of protein. Not only that but it is gluten-free.

Quinoa is considered a superfood because it is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and various beneficial antioxidants.

Additions to This Healthy Turkey Chili

You can change this chili up in so many different ways. Add diced bell peppers, or chunks of sweet potatoes for extra veggies.

Add in some extra tomato sauce for more tomato flavor.

Swap out ground beef for ground turkey. Ground beef does have a larger fat content, so that will change the health factor of your chili.

This recipe makes delicious leftovers for lunch the next day, and freezes great for meal prep as well! Make a big batch to have for other nights when you need a quick meal.

You could pair it with my classic Skillet Cornbread recipe or if you are in the mood for chicken and chili, check out my recipe for White Chicken Chili.

Serve the chili in these fun bowls and invite friends and family over for game day!

Comforting Chili Recipes


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Yield: 6 cups

Clean Eating: Turkey and Quinoa Chili

Clean Eating: Turkey and Quinoa Chili

My 30-Minute Turkey Quinoa Chili is packed with hearty beans, veggies, lean ground turkey, and a little quinoa. It's our favorite chili recipe!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 16-ounce package Lean Ground Turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced fine
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can of Rotel mild, undrained
  • 1 Can of 14.5 ounce Diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 16-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup quinoa, uncooked
  • toppings: chopped avocado, lime wedges, plain yogurt or sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, if desired

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepot, heat oil over medium heat and add the onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent and softened.
  2. Add in the turkey, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Cook turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
  3. Add broth, tomatoes, beans, ROTEL, and quinoa, and then place on simmer for about 30 minutes or so until the quinoa cooks all the way.
  4. The chili will thicken over time. Ladle chili into bowls. Serve with desired toppings.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 466Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 776mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 12gSugar: 5gProtein: 35g

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