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Healthy Turkey Chili Lettuce Cups: Easy Game Day Recipe

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These Healthy Turkey Chili Lettuce Cups are a lighter, handheld twist on classic chili, perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner. Lean ground turkey, hearty beans, and a smoky chipotle kick are served in crisp butter lettuce cups for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 teaspoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 large head butter lettuce (Bibb or Boston lettuce)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (5 minutes): Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse both cans of beans. Open the can of fire-roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce. Measure out your spices into a small bowl. Pat the ground turkey dry with a paper towel.
  2. Brown the turkey (5-7 minutes): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up into small crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains. Drain off excess liquid.
  3. Sauté the aromatics (3-4 minutes): Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the spices (1 minute): Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the turkey mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Build the chili (10-12 minutes): Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, drained beans, adobo sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
  6. Prepare the lettuce cups (2 minutes): While the chili simmers, carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves. Rinse gently under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim the thick white stem at the base of each leaf if needed. Arrange on a serving platter.
  7. Assemble and serve (2 minutes): Spoon about 1/3 cup of the turkey chili into each lettuce cup. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a slice of jalapeño if desired. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top just before serving.

Notes

For best results, dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Serve immediately after assembling. The chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For a vegetarian version, swap turkey for cooked lentils or plant-based meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, lettuce cups, game day, healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free option, quick dinner

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/healthy-turkey-chili-lettuce-cups-easy-game-day-recipe/