The Best Turkey Chili
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both delicious and healthy? This Turkey Chili recipe is your go-to comfort food for cozy nights in. With its perfect blend of spices, ground turkey, tomatoes, and beans, it’s a surefire hit with both kids and adults. And don’t forget the toppings—serve up this chili with homemade Beer Bread or Cornbread for a complete meal!
Why This Turkey Chili?
This Turkey Chili is not just easy to make but also packed with rich flavors. The use of lean ground turkey, a blend of aromatic spices, and a mix of beans and tomatoes create a satisfying and nutritious dish. Plus, it’s a family favorite that’s been fine-tuned over multiple batches to ensure it’s always a hit.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 272 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for best flavor)
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes (juice and all)
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (juice and all)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or stock
- 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
Directions
- Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet, Dutch oven, or pot, heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 4–6 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about a minute to let the spices release their aroma.
- Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Beans: Stir in the black beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your liking. Add more chicken broth if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings (see below for ideas).
Chili Topping Options
Elevate your chili with these delicious toppings:
- Shredded Cheese: Sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
- Corn Chips/Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy texture.
- Avocado: Fresh slices or chunks.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess.
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled for a spicy kick.
- Green Onions: Adds a fresh, bright flavor.
- Cilantro: A personal favorite for its vibrant taste.
How to Serve Chili
- With Bread: Try it with dinner rolls, biscuits, cornbread, or beer bread.
- Nacho Bar: Serve it as part of a nacho bar.
- On Potatoes: Top baked or sweet potatoes with chili.
- Chili Dogs/Burgers: Use it as a topping for hot dogs or hamburgers.
- Tortillas: Warmed tortillas, buttered and sliced, make a great side.
Turkey Chili FAQs
- Can Turkey Chili be Frozen? Yes, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
- How Should I Store Leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can This Chili be Made in Advance? Yes, it often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead of time and reheat, adding additional chicken broth if needed.
- Can This Recipe be Made in a Slow Cooker? Yes! Brown the turkey and prepare the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except beans). Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in the beans and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
More Delicious Turkey Recipes
- Turkey Meatballs with Herbed Gravy
- Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
- Crockpot Turkey Breast with Herbs
- The BEST Turkey Burgers
- Turkey Gravy Recipe
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Turkey Chili
This Turkey Chili recipe is your go-to comfort food for cozy nights in. With its perfect blend of spices, ground turkey, tomatoes, and beans, it’s a surefire hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean for best flavor
- 1 –2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes juice and all
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes juice and all
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or stock
- 14 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet, Dutch oven, or pot, heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 4–6 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about a minute to let the spices release their aroma.
- Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Beans: Stir in the black beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your liking. Add more chicken broth if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings (see below for ideas).
Notes
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