Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ Perfectly aligned with Optavia’s Lean and Green program
✓ Rich, satisfying flavor without excess calories
✓ Easy to meal prep and freeze
✓ Customizable to your taste preferences
✓ Family-friendly comfort food
Kitchen Essentials for Perfect Chili
Before we start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen must-haves:
- Large Dutch Oven – Perfect for even heating and easy cleaning
- Quality Cutting Board Set – For prep work
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – Makes vegetable prep a breeze
- Glass Storage Containers – For leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Base:
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans low-sodium diced tomatoes
For the Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Base (10 minutes)
- Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat
- Brown the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces
- Drain any excess liquid
- Build the Flavors (10 minutes)
- Add onions and garlic to the pot
- Sauté until fragrant and translucent
- Stir in bell peppers
- Create the Sauce (5 minutes)
- Add tomatoes and spices
- Stir to combine all ingredients
- Bring to a gentle boil
- Simmer to Perfection (30 minutes)
- Reduce heat to low
- Cover and simmer
- Stir occasionally
Lean and Green Chili Meal Prep Tips
Make the most of your cooking time:
- Prep all vegetables in advance
- Store in Glass Meal Prep Containers
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months
- Label containers with Food Storage Labels
Lean and Green Chili Customization Options
Make It Vegetarian:
- Replace turkey with crumbled tempeh
- Add extra vegetables
- Include mushrooms for meaty texture
Spice It Up:
- Add diced jalapeños
- Include cayenne pepper
- Top with hot sauce
Keep It Mild:
- Reduce chili powder
- Skip the cayenne
- Add extra bell peppers
Lean and Green Chili Recipe Serving Suggestions
Healthy topping ideas:
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Lean and Green Chili Storage and Reheating
- Store in Airtight Containers
- Keeps fresh for 4-5 days in refrigerator
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat on stovetop or microwave
Health Benefits
This lean and green chili is packed with:
- Lean protein from turkey
- Fiber from vegetables
- Vitamins A and C
- Antioxidants
- Essential minerals
Final Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the simmering process
- Taste and adjust seasonings
- Let it rest before serving
- Store properly for best results
