17 Southern Living Turkey Quinoa Chili Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 23, 2024
Turkey chili has become a popular dish in recent years, and for good reason. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is packed with protein and flavor. But if you're tired of the traditional beef or chicken chili, why not try something different? This southern living turkey quinoa chili recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic dish. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also a great way to incorporate quinoa into your diet, providing you with a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
Main Ingredients: Bananas, Apples, Orange, Pears, Melon, Berries, Mango
Are you tired of the same old boring lunches? Look no further! These healthy lunch ideas are perfect for both adults and kids. They are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a delicious and satisfying option for any midday meal. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Say goodbye to those sad desk lunches and hello to these tasty options that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
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Turkey Tetrazzini
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Egg
This classic Italian dish gets a healthy twist with the use of ground turkey and whole wheat pasta. It's creamy and flavorful, yet still light and nutritious. The addition of vegetables such as mushrooms and spinach adds an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. Make a big batch and have leftovers for the week!
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Thai Turkey Quinoa Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Water, Turkey, Olive Oil, Chopped Onion
These lettuce wraps are a fun and tasty option for a healthy lunch. The combination of Thai flavors and lean ground turkey makes for a delicious and filling meal. The quinoa adds an extra source of protein and fiber, and the lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. These wraps are also great for on-the-go lunches!
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Crock Pot Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Turkey, Yellow Onion, Quinoa
Who doesn't love a good casserole? This one is made in the crock pot for added convenience. It's packed with Mexican flavors and lean ground turkey, making it a healthier alternative to traditional casseroles. The beans and corn add an extra dose of fiber and nutrients. This casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Mediterranean Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Large Bell Peppers, Dry Quinoa, Chicken Broth, Turkey
This Mediterranean twist on stuffed peppers is a delicious and nutritious option for lunch. The combination of flavorful spices, ground turkey, and quinoa makes for a satisfying and protein-packed meal. The bell peppers provide a beautiful and nutritious vessel for the filling. These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
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21 Day Fix Zesty Ranch Bake
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Turkey, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce
This recipe is not only healthy but also follows the guidelines of the popular 21 Day Fix program. It's a simple and flavorful dish that combines ground turkey, zucchini, and whole wheat pasta. The ranch seasoning adds a delicious zing and pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your lunch.
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Ground Turkey Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Ground Turkey, Medium Onion, Large Garlic
Another delicious casserole option, this one combines ground turkey, quinoa, and cheesy goodness. It's a great way to use up leftovers and can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand. The quinoa adds an extra source of protein and the cheese provides a satisfying indulgence. This casserole is perfect for a cozy and comforting lunch.
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Lemon Pesto Turkey Pasta
Main Ingredients: Salt, Eggs, Lemon, Basil Pesto, Pasta, Olive Oil
This dish is light and refreshing, perfect for a warm day. The combination of whole wheat pasta, ground turkey, and pesto creates a delicious and flavorful meal. The addition of lemon juice adds a bright and tangy element. This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a great option for meal prep.
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Sundried Tomato Spinach Turkey Meatball
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Eggs, Quinoa Flour, Quinoa, Frozen Spinach, Red
These meatballs are a fun and delicious lunch option. They are made with ground turkey, sundried tomatoes, and spinach, making them a flavorful and nutrient-packed choice. They can be enjoyed on their own as a protein-rich snack or added to a salad or sandwich for a more filling meal. Plus, they are easy to make and can be frozen for future lunches.
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Turkey Quinoa Pumpkin Soup
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Turkey, Pumpkin Puree, Salt, Paprika, Ground
This soup is perfect for the fall season and is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients. The combination of ground turkey, quinoa, and pumpkin creates a hearty and comforting meal. The addition of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm and cozy flavor. This soup is best enjoyed with a slice of crusty whole grain bread.
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Turkey, Chard and Sweet Potato Grain Bowl
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Coconut Oil, Pure Maple Syrup, Kosher
Grain bowls are a great way to pack a variety of nutrients into one meal. This bowl combines ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and chard for a delicious and balanced lunch. The grains provide a source of complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables and protein add an extra dose of vitamins and minerals. This bowl is also customizable, so feel free to add your favorite toppings.
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Stuffed Kale Leaves
Main Ingredients: Kale, Olive Oil, Garlic, Onions, Turkey, Ginger, Corn
Kale is a nutrient powerhouse, and these stuffed leaves are a great way to incorporate it into your lunch. The kale is filled with a mixture of ground turkey, rice, and spices, creating a delicious and wholesome meal. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang and balances out the flavors. These stuffed leaves can be enjoyed warm or cold.
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Health-ish Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Orange, Chopped Fresh Sage
Who says Thanksgiving only has to happen once a year? This health-ish Thanksgiving bowl is a delicious and nutritious option for lunch. It combines ground turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, and cranberries, creating a bowl packed with fall flavors. The addition of quinoa adds an extra source of protein and fiber. This bowl is perfect for when you're craving a little taste of the holidays.
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Loaded Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Turkey Meat, Onion
This casserole is full of flavor and texture. It combines ground turkey, black beans, quinoa, and spices for a hearty and delicious meal. The topping of avocado and tomato adds a fresh and creamy component. This casserole is perfect for a cozy and comforting lunch, and can also be enjoyed as a dinner option.
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Southwestern Turkey Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic Cloves, Chipotle Pepper
These stuffed peppers are another great way to use up leftovers. They are filled with a mixture of ground turkey, black beans, quinoa, and Mexican spices. The bell peppers provide a nutritious and colorful vessel for the filling. These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
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Turkey Enchilada Quinoa Soup.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sweet Onion, Sweet Potato, Low Sodium
This soup is full of Mexican flavors and is perfect for a chilly day. It combines ground turkey, enchilada sauce, and quinoa for a delicious and filling meal. The addition of beans adds an extra source of protein and fiber. This soup can be enjoyed on its own or with some whole grain tortilla chips for added crunch.
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Turkey Stroganoff
Main Ingredients: Cremini Mushrooms, Butter, Finely Chopped Onion, Turkey
This healthier twist on a classic comfort food is a great option for a cozy lunch. It combines ground turkey, mushrooms, and whole wheat pasta for a creamy and flavorful dish. The greek yogurt adds a tangy and protein-rich element. This stroganoff is perfect for a busy day and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
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Quinoa Ground Turkey Skillet
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Ground Turkey, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell
This skillet meal is a great way to use up leftovers and create a delicious and balanced lunch. It combines quinoa, ground turkey, and vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. The spices add a burst of flavor and the quinoa provides an extra source of protein. This skillet can be enjoyed warm or cold and is perfect for meal prep.
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Turkey Tacos with Cranberry Salsa
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Vegetable Oil, Grated Monterey Jack
Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and this healthy version is no exception. The ground turkey is seasoned with taco seasoning and paired with a refreshing cranberry salsa. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes for a delicious and unique taco. These tacos are perfect for a fun and flavorful lunch.
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Leftover Turkey Quinoa Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Main Ingredients: Dry Quinoa, Water, Turkey, Spinach, Smoked Gouda
Don't know what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Turn them into a delicious and nutritious salad! This salad combines leftover turkey, quinoa, cranberries, and spinach for a hearty and satisfying meal. The cranberry vinaigrette adds a tangy and festive element. This salad is perfect for using up leftovers or can be made with fresh ingredients any time of year.
The Benefits of Quinoa in Chili
1. Rich in Nutrients
Quinoa is often referred to as a superfood because of its high nutrient content. It is gluten-free, high in fiber, and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. By adding quinoa to your chili, you are not only increasing the protein content but also adding important vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and potassium.
2. Adds Texture and Flavor
Not only does quinoa add nutritional value to your chili, but it also adds a unique texture and nutty flavor. As it cooks, quinoa absorbs the flavors of the chili, creating a delicious and hearty base. Plus, the texture of quinoa adds a pleasant crunch to each bite, making this chili more interesting and satisfying.
3. Suitable for All Dietary Restrictions
In today's world, it's important to have options that cater to various dietary restrictions. This turkey quinoa chili recipe is not only gluten-free, but it can also be made vegetarian by swapping out the turkey for black beans or tofu. It's also a great option for those following a paleo or low-carb diet as quinoa is considered a whole grain and has a lower glycemic index compared to other grains.
How to Make Southern Living Turkey Quinoa Chili
Now that you know the benefits of adding quinoa to your chili, let's get cooking! To make this delicious and healthy dish, you will need:
1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of tomato sauce
1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup of cooked quinoa
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1. In a large pot, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and cooked quinoa to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked ground turkey back to the pot and stir in the chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, add black beans to the chili for additional protein and fiber.
6. Let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors are well combined.
7. Serve hot and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
In Conclusion
By incorporating quinoa into your chili, you are not only adding a healthy and delicious ingredient, but you are also making a dish that is suitable for various dietary restrictions. This southern living turkey quinoa chili recipe is the perfect way to switch up your chili game and enjoy a nutritious meal. Give it a try and see for yourself how tasty and satisfying it can be!