This turkey chili is hearty and packed with flavor! Made with lean ground turkey, beans, and tasty spices, it’s a healthy dish that warms you right up.
What I love about this chili is how easy it is to make a big batch. Plus, it tastes even better the next day! Grab some cornbread and you’re all set! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat is a healthier alternative to beef. You can swap it for chicken or even a plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Beans: Kidney beans add great texture, but black beans or pinto beans work too! If you prefer to skip beans altogether, just increase the amount of meat or add extra vegetables.
Spices: Chili powder is key for flavor. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños. Cumin and smoked paprika add warmth, but you can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked.
Chicken Broth: Using broth gives more flavor, but water is also fine. For a richer flavor, try cooking with vegetable broth if you’re using more veggies!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Chili?
The secret to delicious chili lies in layering flavors. Start by cooking your onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant—that’s where the base flavor comes from!
- Cook the chili spices with the meat. This helps to release their essential oils and deepens the flavor.
- Allow your chili to simmer uncovered. This thickens the sauce and intensifies the taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste before serving! Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a dash of cayenne if it needs a kick.
Top your chili with a sprinkle of cheese or green onions for that fresh finish. Enjoy!
Turkey Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This turkey chili recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This will give your chili a delicious base flavor!
2. Cook the Garlic:
Once the onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it cooks quickly!
3. Brown the Turkey:
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season It Up:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. This toasting of the spices really enhances their flavor!
5. Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
Next, add the kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined. Your chili is starting to come together!
6. Simmer to Thicken:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. This simmering time helps the chili thicken and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
After simmering, taste your chili. If it needs a little more flavor, feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a bit more cayenne for heat!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once ready, ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions if you like. Enjoy your warming, comforting turkey chili!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef for a richer flavor. Just note that you’ll want to drain any excess fat after browning the beef to keep your chili from being too greasy.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add fresh chopped jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper. Additionally, a dash of hot sauce when serving can give it an extra kick!
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes! Just replace the ground turkey with your favorite plant-based meat substitute or add more beans and vegetables. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the added flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months!
