HEARTY TURKEY CHILI RECIPE
SIMPLE & HEARTY TURKEY CHILI RECIPE
Enjoy the warmth of this tasty Turkey Chili, bringing together ground turkey, kidney beans, onions, and garlic with the perfect mix of seasonings. It's a favorite for the whole family, served perfectly with Cornbread or Cheddar Beer Bread for a satisfying meal.
FALL'S COMFORT FOOD FAVORITE
Fall is a special time, filled with comforting dishes like stews, soups, and chilis. A big pot of slow-cooked meat, veggies, and beans warms the soul. What are your go-to fall comfort food recipes? Explore more with favorites like White Chicken Chili, Tortellini Soup, and Loaded Potato Soup.
TURKEY CHILI MADE SIMPLE
Prepare this delightful chili with these easy-to-find ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Ground black pepper
- Ground cayenne pepper
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Kidney beans
- Brown sugar
SIMPLE TURKEY CHILI COOKING
Follow these easy steps to make your tasty Ground Turkey Chili:
- Brown the Turkey: In a Dutch Oven or stockpot, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until halfway browned.
- Add Onion: Add onions and cook until soft. Drain excess fat.
- Season It: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Complete the Mix: Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and brown sugar. Simmer for 35-45 minutes until flavors meld and chili thickens.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
FREEZING YOUR CHILI
Yes, you can freeze this chili easily. Let it cool for about 1 hour, then freeze in an airtight container or sturdy freezer bags for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with reduced power to avoid beans exploding.
TOP IT OFF WITH FAVORITE FIXINGS
Enhance your chili with these favorite toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Minced or sliced jalapeños
- Chopped tomatoes
- Bacon bits
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fried tortilla strips
- Avocado (chopped or sliced)
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips
ADJUST THE SPICE LEVEL
If you crave more heat, customize your chili with crushed red pepper, additional cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, sriracha, or sambal oelek. Add a little at a time, tasting as you go to avoid surpassing your heat threshold.
HANDY TIPS FOR YOUR TURKEY CHILI
Here are some simple tips to make your Turkey Chili even better:
- Choose the Right Turkey: I like using ground turkey with both dark and white meat for more flavor. Turkey breast alone is too lean.
- Swap Meat if Needed: Don't have ground turkey? Ground beef or pork works too.
- Easy Fat Removal: Instead of struggling to tilt the pot to drain fat, just lean it a bit. Let the fat move to one side, then use a paper towel to soak up the extra grease. It's quicker, and you won't lose any meat.
- Season to Your Liking: Adjust the seasonings based on your taste. For spice lovers, check the section above on adding more heat.
- Boost Veggie Power: Want more veggies? Consider adding bell peppers, sweet potatoes, celery, or carrots.
- Slow Cooker Option: Follow the recipe until you add garlic and spices. Transfer everything to a slow cooker, add remaining ingredients (except beans), cook on low for 5 hours, then add beans and cook for 1 more hour.
- Smart Storage: Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
SIMPLE TURKEY CHILI RECIPE
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Main Meal, Chili
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces) dark red kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Brown the ground turkey in a Dutch Oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion when the turkey is halfway browned and continue cooking until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and brown sugar. Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
NOTES:
- I prefer ground turkey with both dark and white meat for better flavor. Turkey breast alone is too lean.
- You can use ground beef or ground pork instead of ground turkey.
- To drain fat easily, lean the pot a bit, and use a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking. If you like spicy food, check the section above on adding more heat.
- For a slow cooker version, follow the recipe until you add garlic and spices. Transfer everything to a slow cooker, add remaining ingredients (except beans), cook on low for about 5 hours, then add beans and cook for 1 hour.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.