Amber Ale Turkey Chili

There’s something hearty and savory about chili that gets me every time. And any chili recipe that has beer as an ingredient has to be good! .

Adding more beans and substituting red chili pepper flakes for the diced chipotles in adobo sauce gave me something that had just the right amount of kick but that didn’t completely set my tongue on fire.

A little cheese sprinkled over top to garnish and I had a delicious, healthy meal that was super easy to make.

Serves: 8, prep time: 20 minutes, cook time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tsp plus 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 ½ lbs lean ground turkey
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 large white or red onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 12-oz bottle amber ale beer
• 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp minced, canned chipotles in adobo sauce (optional: use if you want much spicier chili)
• ½ tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional: use in place of the canned chipotles)
• 4 15-oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-oz can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Directions

1. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add turkey and brown, while breaking up meat with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes or until no pink remains. Transfer to a small bowl. Season with salt and set aside.
2. Drain liquid from pan and add remaining olive oil. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in chili powder, cumin and oregano: sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in ale and let simmer for 5 minutes. Return turkey to pot and add crushed tomatoes, honey, chipotles and 1 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Add beans during last 15 minutes of cooking to heat through. Stir in lime juice and spoon into bowls. Serve with cheddar and sliced scallions (if desired).

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 bowl): calories 300, total fat 8g, carbs 35g, protein 22g, fiber 5g, calcium 54mg, iron 4mg, sodium 595mg.

Try this recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! And if you prefer chili with no meat, try this Vegan Black Bean Espresso Chili.