One Minute White Bean Chili

Warm bowls of soups and stews are what’s holding us together right now. Fast and filling, steamy sustenance is definitely in order with the slushy-freezy weather we’ve been having.  This One Minute White Bean Chili will save your dinner on a night when there’s no other way. Quick, mildly spicy, and made of two pantry ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, it’s faster than reading through Uber Eats and quicker than driving for pick-up.

Hearty and healthy at the same time, it pairs 93% lean ground turkey with white beans for a filling plenty of protein and fiber. Not only good for your wallet, but good for you. Swap in lean ground chicken, or even lean ground beef if you like, or omit the ground meat altogether and make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese with the salsa and the beans. You can also double the amount of beans and use 2 cans, or double the recipe and use 2 of everything. If you double the beans, drain one can fully and use all the liquid from the other can. Freeze any extra in labeled canning jars for another frenzied night, or give it a replay and top baked potatoes – russet or sweet – or add cooked rice or quinoa. 

Using a jar of good quality salsa saves you from chopping garlic, onion, cilantro and peppers. Check the ingredient list to be sure it’s free of preservatives or buy organic. It will take you exactly one minute to add everything into your slow cooker or Instant Pot and then you’re free to do something else until the quick stir at the end. No time to slow cook or want to make it tonight? Lightly cook your ground turkey, then add salsa and beans and let simmer until meat is thoroughly cooked. Add cheese and let cook a few minutes more. Serve with diced avocado, sour cream or greek yogurt, cilantro, scallions, and shredded cheese. Garnish with Fritos, or use up those last little bits of tortilla chips at the the bottom of your bag, for a bit of crunch.  

Don’t scoff. It sounds too easy and it is, but it’s also just what you need on a super busy night. Like tonight. 

One Minute White Bean Chili

  • 1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1  12-15.7 ounce jar Roasted Salsa Verde or Green Chile Salsa  
  • 1  15 ounce can Great Northern beans
  • 1 cup shredded lite Mexican-style shredded cheese, divided

optional toppings:

  • diced avocado
  • sour cream or greek yogurt
  • cilantro
  • diced onion or sliced scallions
  • pickled jalapeños
  • shredded cheese
  • tortilla chips or Fritos

Add ground turkey and salsa verde to Instant Pot or slow cooker. Drain half of liquid from beans, then add beans and remaining liquid. Secure lid and set to slow cook, a minimum of 4 hours. Open lid and break up any large chunks of turkey with a wooden spoon. Add a handful of grated cheese (about 1/2 cup) and stir. Allow chili to continue cooking over low heat, stirring a few times more, while you set out toppings. Ladle into bowls and serve. 

Donna Ferguson

Donna Ferguson

I love to cook, garden, and write about all the things in Vancouver and the Northwest that make life so great.

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