Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and just all-around soul-soothing, this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Packed with lean turkey, two kinds of beans, colorful veggies, and a bold, irresistible blend of spices, this chili is easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to friends. It’s full of nutritious ingredients and has so much flavor that nobody will ever guess it’s as healthy as it is comforting. Get ready to ladle out some cozy goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients truly shine in this dish, each one building depth of flavor and heartiness. The magic comes from layering savory, aromatic, and colorful elements, so don’t be surprised when the whole kitchen smells amazing!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the ingredients, enhancing the dish’s body.
- Ground turkey: The lean, protein-packed star that soaks up spices beautifully and provides a satisfying bite.
- Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and classic chili depth, softening into the sauce.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Adds a fresh, colorful crunch and just the right touch of brightness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Delivers unmistakable aroma and a subtle punch to round out the flavors.
- Black beans (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): These beans provide a velvety texture and plant-based protein.
- Kidney beans (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Their firmness is classic for chili and balances the black beans.
- Diced tomatoes (15-ounce can): Give the chili its saucy, tangy foundation.
- Tomato paste (6-ounce can): Intensifies tomato richness and helps thicken the chili.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Adds depth and keeps the chili from getting too thick as it simmers.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): The key spice blend that brings unmistakable chili flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy warmth and a little smokiness.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky note that’s simply addictive.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a herby backbone.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for drawing out all those bold chili flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives just a gentle heat in the background.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado—these take every bowl over the top!
How to Make Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Give it about 5–7 minutes to turn nicely browned and cooked through, which builds flavor for the whole Ground Turkey Chili Recipe. Don’t rush this step—the browned bits are pure gold!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the turkey is cooked, toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions become wonderfully translucent. You’ll immediately notice the aromas waking up in the pot.
Step 3: Stir in the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Letting these spices toast for just a minute or two will unlock even deeper flavors and fragrance—this is the moment your kitchen starts to smell like a true chili haven.
Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth
Now it’s time for the supporting cast: stir in both kinds of beans, the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Everything melds together to create a thick, savory sauce. Stir it all up, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Reduce the heat to low and let the Ground Turkey Chili Recipe simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Give it a stir occasionally and watch as it thickens up, turning rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Near the end, taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Once it reaches your ideal consistency, it’s ready to serve piping hot!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The joy of chili is in its toppings! Jazz up your bowls with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, vibrant green onions, or even creamy chunks of avocado. Each garnish adds its own special touch, bringing extra indulgence, flavor, and color to every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread, warm cornbread, or fluffy rice are all perfect partners for your Ground Turkey Chili Recipe. Let guests scoop chili over rice for a heartier meal, or serve with tortilla chips for a deliciously dippable dinner. A crisp green salad always provides a refreshing contrast, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn chili night into a fun build-your-own bowl bar! Set out a buffet of toppings and sides, and let everyone personalize their creation. You can even serve individual chili portions in bread bowls for a cozy, impressive twist that makes every meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili is practically a gift to your future self. Once cooled, store extra chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It gets even better overnight as the flavors mingle and deepen!
Freezing
This Ground Turkey Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Divide cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (lay them flat for space-saving storage), and freeze for up to three months. Be sure to label with the date so you always know when you made your last batch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. You can also microwave individual servings—just cover loosely to avoid splatters and stir every minute or so until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, add a chopped jalapeño to the vegetables, or stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper with the spices. Adjust to your personal preference so every bowl is exactly as fiery as you like it.
Can I use different beans or vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to substitute pinto beans, white beans, or even chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand. You can also add corn, diced carrots, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition—this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is very flexible.
How can I make this chili dairy-free?
The chili itself is naturally dairy-free. Just skip the sour cream and cheese toppings, and try avocado, green onions, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free garnish.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until thick and fragrant.
How do I thicken my chili if it’s too soupy?
If your chili comes out a bit thinner than you like, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. For an even creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them in.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly comforting about a big, steaming bowl of homemade Ground Turkey Chili Recipe. It’s easy, satisfying, and practically guaranteed to bring big smiles around the table. Give this recipe a try and discover just how delightful healthy comfort food can be!
Print
Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is easy to make and even better the next day. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey: Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and broth: Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust as needed. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- This chili tastes even better when made ahead.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
