Turkey Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that offers a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili without sacrificing taste. Packed with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices, it’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknights, game days, or cozy weekends. This one-pot recipe is simple to make, satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground turkeyolive oiloniongarlicbell peppers (red or green)diced tomatoes (canned)tomato pastebeef or chicken brothkidney beansblack beanschili powderground cuminsmoked paprikadried oreganosalt and pepperoptional: cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Mix in chopped bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste, then add canned diced tomatoes and broth.

Add drained beans and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne).

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.

Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken or beef if you prefer a different protein.

Add corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for more veggies and texture.

Swap kidney or black beans for pinto or white beans.

Make it vegetarian by omitting the turkey and doubling the beans and vegetables.

Add quinoa or bulgur for a heartier, grain-rich version.

storage/reheating

Store Turkey Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in portions until hot.

FAQs

Is Turkey Chili spicy?

It can be mildly spicy depending on your spice blend. You can control the heat by adjusting chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Can I make Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the turkey first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What toppings go well with Turkey Chili?

Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips are all great options.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but you may need to add more liquid or cook it longer to break them down.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Turkey Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd or for meal prepping.

Can I make it low-carb?

Skip the beans and add more veggies like zucchini and cauliflower.

Is Turkey Chili gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I thicken my chili?

Let it simmer uncovered or mash some of the beans to release starches that naturally thicken it.

What kind of broth should I use?

Chicken broth is great for a lighter flavor; beef broth offers a richer taste.

Conclusion

Turkey Chili is a versatile, filling, and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or prepping meals for the week, this chili hits all the right notes. With endless customization options, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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