Turkey Chili Recipe

Introduction

This hearty turkey chili is a flavorful, protein-packed twist on a classic comfort food. It’s loaded with beans, spices, and a touch of heat, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to make and satisfying, this chili will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium red onion, diced (or yellow onion)
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes, with juice (seasoned or plain)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz pinto beans with their juice (or white beans with their juice)
• 2 oz jar of diced jalapeños or mild green chilis (or to taste)
• 15 oz canned corn, drained (or use frozen or fresh kernels)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock or water (or as needed, to thin the chili)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a 5-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and sauté until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue sautéing for another 5 minutes, or until the onions have softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans with their juice, diced jalapeños or chilis, and corn.
4. Step 4: Mix everything well and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Towards the end, add chicken stock or water if you prefer a thinner chili. Remember, it will thicken as it cools. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder chili, reduce or omit the jalapeños and add diced bell peppers instead.
• Use fresh corn kernels if available for a sweeter flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
• Serve with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
• For a thicker chili, mash some beans before adding them or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the beef is fully browned and cooked through.

Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?

No soaking is needed since canned beans are used. Just drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the chili for best texture and flavor.

Turkey Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 64 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Turkey Chili packed with beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal. This recipe uses lean ground turkey and a medley of beans simmered with chili powder and cumin for an authentic spicy taste, ideal for chilly days or anytime you crave a satisfying bowl of chili.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Oil

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey

Vegetables and Beans

• 1 medium red onion, diced (or yellow onion)
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz pinto beans with their juice (or white beans with their juice)
• 2 oz jar of diced jalapeños or mild green chilis (or to taste)
• 15 oz canned corn, drained (or use frozen or fresh corn kernels)

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Liquids

• 1/2 cup chicken stock or water (or as needed to thin the chili)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Turkey: In a 5-quart pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground turkey and sauté until fully cooked, about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Sauté Onions and Spices: Add the diced onion along with chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper to the pot. Continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes or until the onions become soft and translucent, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
3. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Corn: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans with their juice, diced jalapeños or mild green chilis, and drained corn. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If a thinner consistency is preferred, add chicken stock or water toward the end of cooking. The chili will thicken slightly as it cools.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and add extra salt if needed, typically an additional 1/2 teaspoon. Stir to incorporate and then serve hot, optionally garnishing with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option with less fat.
• If you like a spicier chili, increase the amount of jalapeños or add cayenne pepper.
• Feel free to substitute any of the beans with your favorite variety or all canned white beans for a milder flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth added or simmer longer uncovered.
• Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
• Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: turkey chili, chili recipe, healthy chili, ground turkey recipe, bean chili, easy weeknight dinner