My Cardiologist's Chili

"My Cardiologist's Chili" is a hearty, heart-healthy twist on a classic comfort food that doesn’t skimp on bold, satisfying flavors. This protein-packed chili swaps out traditional ground beef for extra-lean ground turkey, making it a lighter option that still delivers on taste. Loaded with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and garlic, and simmered with fiber-rich low-sodium beans and aromatic spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, this one-pot wonder is a nourishing crowd-pleaser. A splash of low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomatoes keeps the dish light on sodium without sacrificing depth. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this easy-to-make chili is ready in just 50 minutes and is ideal for those seeking a flavorful, heart-smart meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for a wholesome finishing touch.

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra-lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.

Step 4

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

Step 5

Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (e.g., add a pinch of salt or more chili powder).

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt if desired. Enjoy this hearty, heart-healthy chili!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2119.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1447.7

Total Fat 27.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 323.5mg	0%
Sodium 998.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 137.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.6g	0%
Total Sugars 34.1g
Protein 163.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 531.6mg	0%
Iron 24.6mg	0%
Potassium 4335.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.8%

Protein: 45.2%

Carbs: 38.0%