This Turkey Chili recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal, packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and a perfect blend of spices. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a chilly night or a delicious dish to serve for a game-day gathering, this turkey chili is an easy go-to option. The rich flavors of turkey, tomatoes, and warming spices make it satisfying without being too heavy.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 lb ground turkey
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Directions:
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Cook the Turkey:
Add 1 lb of ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 7-8 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked.
Add the Spices:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
Combine the Remaining Ingredients:
Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.
Simmer:
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors come together.
Serve:
Once the chili is thick and flavorful, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Serving Tips:
Toppings: Elevate your turkey chili by adding a variety of toppings. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.
Accompaniments: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping. You can also serve it over rice or with a side of baked potatoes for a heartier meal.
Game-Day Setup: Create a chili bar with all the toppings, allowing guests to customize their bowls with their favorite extras.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Freezing: Turkey chili is a great freezer-friendly meal. Once cooled, transfer the chili to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and date them, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Portioning: For easy meal prep, portion the chili into individual servings before freezing. This way, you can quickly grab and reheat a single portion whenever needed.
Reheating Tips:
Stovetop: For the best texture and flavor, reheat the chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Microwave: If using a microwave, heat the chili in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-2 minute increments, stirring in between, until warmed through. Cover the bowl to prevent splattering.
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FAQs:
Can I make turkey chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make turkey chili in a slow cooker, follow the steps to sauté the onions, bell pepper, garlic, and ground turkey in a skillet. Once browned, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if needed, and adjust seasonings before serving.
How can I make this turkey chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when adding the spices. You can also top the chili with sliced fresh chilies or serve with a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer. Ground chicken also works well. Keep in mind that beef is fattier, so the chili will be richer, and you may need to drain any excess fat after browning the meat.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Turkey chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or hosting gatherings.
Conclusion:
This Turkey Chili is the ultimate comfort food that balances healthiness and flavor. The combination of lean ground turkey, hearty beans, and warming spices makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, this recipe will surely become a favorite!
📖 Recipe:
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Turkey Chili
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Turkey Chili recipe is a perfect comfort dish packed with lean ground turkey, protein-rich beans, and a bold blend of spices. Easy to make and ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or meal prep, this healthy chili is a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family. Keywords: Turkey Chili, healthy chili, easy chili recipe, chili with beans, lean turkey chili.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground turkey
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
Notes
Customize the heat by adding jalapeños or more chili powder for a spicier version.
This chili is perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 290 kcal
