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Easy Freezer Turkey Chili: Best College Meal Prep

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This easy freezer turkey chili is a hearty, smoky, and budget-friendly meal prep recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy college students or anyone needing a quick, delicious meal that freezes beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper; cook for 2 more minutes.
  3. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cocoa powder over the mixture. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds.
  4. Add the liquids and beans: Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Stir in drained black beans and kidney beans.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Finish with corn and vinegar: Stir in frozen corn and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 3-5 minutes until corn is heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Cool and portion: Remove from heat and let cool for 15-20 minutes. Divide into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving headspace. Seal, label, and freeze.

Notes

Don’t skip blooming the spices—it deepens the flavor. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky taste. Let chili cool before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Label containers with date and name. For microwave reheating, use 1-minute intervals and stir; add a splash of water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, freezer chili, college meal prep, easy chili, ground turkey recipe, meal prep chili

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/easy-freezer-turkey-chili-best-college-meal-prep/