Nothing beats a hearty bowl of Turkey Chili when you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor. This Turkey Chili recipe swaps out traditional beef for lean ground turkey, allowing all the bold spices, sweet bell peppers, and beans to shine through every mouthful. Plus, it’s a complete one-pot wonder: easy for weeknights, fabulous for gatherings, and absolutely irresistible with your favorite toppings piled high!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey Chili is in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients—each one, from the humble onion to those vibrant peppers, comes together to create a stew that’s rich in flavor, color, and wholesome goodness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip or special note for every ingredient:
- Lean Ground Turkey: A lighter, protein-packed alternative to beef that soaks up all the chili spices beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing, giving the veggies and turkey a touch of richness.
- Onion (diced): Lays a mellow, sweet foundation and wonderful depth of flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the chili with that signature aromatic punch.
- Green Bell Pepper (diced): Brings crunch and a fresh, grassy note.
- Red Bell Pepper (diced): Adds sweetness and gorgeous color to your bowl.
- Black Beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy and earthy, these bring body and fiber.
- Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed): Classic chili inclusion; they add a buttery texture.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The saucy backbone of the chili, keeping things rich and hearty.
- Diced Tomatoes: Give pops of juicy sweetness and texture contrast.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates all that tomato flavor, making the chili deeply savory.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Loosens everything up while letting you control the saltiness.
- Chili Powder: The star seasoning blend—warm, smoky, and a tad spicy.
- Ground Cumin: Adds earthy warmth that’s absolutely essential in any chili.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that makes this Turkey Chili unforgettable.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): Use if you want to turn up the heat—just a pinch goes far!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Key for balancing flavors—season to your personal taste.
- Toppings (shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños): Pick a few or all for color, creaminess, and extra zing!
How to Make Turkey Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes—this brings out its natural sweetness and forms a tasty base. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick, 30-second stir to bloom that delicious aroma; you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells divine.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add your ground turkey next, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, and any liquid has mostly evaporated. This is where the turkey soaks up all the toasty flavors from the onions and garlic, setting the stage for our bold spices.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Into the pot go the diced green and red bell peppers! Sauté everything for another 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers are just beginning to soften. These add a fabulous pop of color but also a subtle crunch that brightens the chili.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you want extra spice), plus salt and black pepper. Stir well for a minute, lifting all those toasty bits from the bottom of the pot. The heat wakes up the spices, letting their flavors bloom fully.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Mix in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Give everything a thorough stir, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally—this concentrated cooking time thickens the Turkey Chili and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
With the chili thickened, now is your moment to taste and adjust the seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, or spice as you like! Serve hot and get ready to pile on your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Turkey Chili
Garnishes
The finishing touches are where Turkey Chili truly shines! Dollop with cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, shower on shredded cheese, crown with creamy avocado, or scatter fresh chopped cilantro and jalapeño slices for a kick. Each topping not only boosts flavor but also makes every bowl look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
While a steaming bowl of Turkey Chili can certainly stand alone, it’s fantastic next to warm cornbread, baked potatoes, tortilla chips for dipping, or even a crisp green salad. These sides soak up the chili or add some welcome lightness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving Turkey Chili in bread bowls for a rustic twist, spooning it over baked sweet potatoes, or ladling atop a bed of rice. Try filling taco shells for a fun, hand-held version or serving mini chili “shots” at game-day gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Turkey Chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days—plus, the flavors only get better overnight as they mingle.
Freezing
Turkey Chili is a meal prepper’s dream! Once fully cooled, ladle it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you can always have a homemade meal on standby.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover Turkey Chili in a pot over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting before reheating. Add a splash of broth if it’s a bit thick.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely—just brown the turkey, onion, and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours (or high for about 3 hours) until thick and luscious.
How spicy is this Turkey Chili recipe?
This version is moderately spiced, but the heat level is very easy to adjust. Add more cayenne or jalapeño for extra fire, or tone it down by omitting the pepper entirely for a milder bite.
Can I use different beans or omit them?
Definitely! Feel free to substitute pinto beans, chickpeas, or any favorite legume. You can also leave out the beans if you’re after a lower-carb Turkey Chili, though the texture will change a bit.
Is Turkey Chili gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes—this base recipe is gluten-free as long as your toppings and broth are also gluten-free, and you can keep it dairy-free by skipping cheese or sour cream in favor of avocado and cilantro.
What makes Turkey Chili taste even better the next day?
As Turkey Chili sits, the flavors blend and deepen, making every bite richer and more cohesive. That overnight chill really allows the spices, tomato, and turkey to meld in the most delectable way!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s equal parts comforting, wholesome, and full of bold flavors, give this Turkey Chili a try! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket, ready for any weeknight dinner or casual get-together. Happy cooking!
Print
Turkey Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and flavorful Turkey Chili is a delicious twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and aromatic spices, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Turkey Chili:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeños
For Toppings:
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Cook ground turkey until no longer pink. Add bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Season with spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–40 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings and serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase cayenne or add diced jalapeños.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- It freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: ~7 g
- Sodium: ~480 mg
- Fat: ~8 g
- Saturated Fat: ~1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~8 g
- Protein: ~24 g
- Cholesterol: ~55 mg
