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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 handheld, crowd-pleasing game day snack that delivers all the deep, smoky flavor of slow-simmered chili in under 30 minutes. Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners, they’re packed with protein and fiber, and the crisp butter lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 large head butter lettuce (Bibb or Boston lettuce)
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans. Set everything aside within arm’s reach of the stove.
  2. Sear the turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground turkey and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a brown crust. Then break the turkey into small crumbles and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper over the turkey mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Build the chili: Add the tomato paste and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. If too thick, add a splash more broth or water; if too thin, simmer longer.
  7. Add the beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Prep the lettuce cups: While the chili simmers, wash and dry the butter lettuce. Gently separate the leaves, keeping them intact. Pat dry with paper towels and arrange on a serving platter.
  9. Assemble: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of warm chili into each lettuce cup. Do not overfill. Let guests add their own toppings at the table.
  10. Serve immediately: These are best eaten within 10 minutes of assembly to keep the lettuce crisp.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip the sear on the turkey—it adds deep flavor. Let the chili cool for 2-3 minutes before assembling to prevent soggy lettuce. The chili can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; flavors improve overnight. For a party, keep chili warm in a slow cooker and let guests assemble their own cups.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili lettuce cups, healthy game day recipe, handheld chili, turkey lettuce wraps, easy chili recipe

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