This Turkey Chili is a warm and hearty dish, packed with lean turkey, beans, and spicy tomatoes. It’s perfect for chilly days when you need a little comfort food!
I love how quick it is to throw together—just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day! Who says chili can’t have a second act? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the chili, providing lean protein. If you want a bit more flavor, you could use ground chicken or beef. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh or lentils instead.
Beans: Kidney beans add a nice texture. You can replace them with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer. Canned beans are super convenient, but dried beans can be used if you have time to soak and cook them.
Diced Tomatoes: These provide moisture and flavor. I love using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for added depth. If you’re out of these, regular canned tomatoes work just fine.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key for that classic chili taste. Feel free to add more spices like cayenne pepper for heat or coriander for a different flavor spin. If you have taco seasoning, that can work too!
How Do You Ensure Your Chili is Full of Flavor?
Flavor is the heart of a great chili! Start by seasoning your onions and garlic as you cook them; it helps build a strong base. When you add spices, be sure to cook them for a minute so they awaken and mix beautifully into the turkey.
- Use a heavy pot for even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Let the chili simmer—this lets the flavors meld together, making a richer dish.
- Taste as you go! Adjust spices and seasoning to your liking at the end.
Delicious Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Turkey Chili recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add in the finely chopped onion. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. You want to smell that delicious aroma! Just be careful not to burn it.
3. Cooking the Turkey:
Now it’s time to add the ground turkey! Toss it into the pot, and cook it while breaking it up with a spoon. Keep cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Mixing in the Spices:
After the turkey is browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let these spices cook for about 1 minute. This will help bring out their flavors!
5. Adding Tomatoes and Beans:
Now, add your diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!), tomato sauce, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn. Give everything a good stir to combine all those tasty ingredients.
6. Time to Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors get!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before you serve, taste your chili and make any adjustments to seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper might just elevate it!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious chili hot in bowls. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions if you’d like. Enjoy it with cornbread or your favorite bread for a perfect comfort meal!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen ground turkey, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quicker results. Just make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Kidney Beans?
If kidney beans aren’t your thing, you can easily substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes, this chili is great for meal prep! You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat on the stove or microwave before serving. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover turkey chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.