Hearty Turkey Chili: A Delicious, Nutritious One-Pot Wonder
Lean turkey and beans combine for a satisfying chili rich in protein and bold flavor.
Hearty Turkey Chili: Flavorful Comfort Food Made Easy
Indulge in a bowl of turkey chili—a comforting, hearty, and healthy dish packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors. Swapping traditional beef for lean ground turkey reduces fat and calories, while a medley of peppers and beans amplifies texture and nutrition. Whether you’re fueling a crowd for game day or craving a wholesome weeknight meal, this turkey chili is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why Choose Turkey Chili?
- Lighter than beef: Using ground turkey or 95% lean beef cuts at least 7 grams of fat and 59 calories per serving.
- High in fiber: Three kinds of beans pack in extra protein and fiber, helping you to feel full and nourished.
- Versatile: Easily adapt with different veggies, spice levels, or cooking methods (stovetop, crockpot, or meal-prepping ahead).
- Crowd-pleaser: The rich, comforting flavors are universally loved—perfect for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
This turkey chili recipe is packed with fresh and pantry staples:
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. ground turkey (or 95% lean ground beef)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 medium green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp. sugar (balances acidity)
- 2 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips, or jalapeño slices.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Turkey Chili
On the Stove (Classic Method):
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Add ground turkey to the pot, season with salt, and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-9 minutes.
- Build the Base: Stir in bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add tomato paste and mix well, letting it cook for another minute to deepen flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Crush the whole peeled tomatoes by hand or with a wooden spoon, then add to the pot (including juice). Stir in chili powder, oregano, cumin, and sugar. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Simmer: Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This helps marry flavors and thicken the chili.
- Add Beans: Stir in pinto, kidney, and black beans. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve Warm: Ladle chili into bowls and top with preferred garnishes. Pair with cornbread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Slow Cooker Method: Brown turkey with aromatics, then transfer all ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding beans in the last hour for best texture.
- Meal Prep/Freezer-Friendly: Cool chili, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Rewarm gently on stove or in microwave.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Approximate Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320-340 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Values will vary based on exact brands and measurements.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Boost vegetables: Add corn, sliced zucchini, carrots, or a diced sweet potato for extra nutrients and texture. Add hardy vegetables at the start but add quick-cooking ones in the last 20 minutes.
- Cut sugar for less sweetness: Omit or reduce the sugar, or replace with honey or coconut sugar for less refined options.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Swap beans: Use any combination of kidney, black, cannellini, or pinto beans according to taste or availability.
- Dairy-free or vegetarian: Replace turkey with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or extra beans to make a vegetarian version. Use plant-based toppings.
Serving Suggestions
- With cornbread: Serve alongside classic or jalapeño cornbread for added comfort.
- Over rice or quinoa: Make a hearty bowl by spooning chili over a bed of grains.
- Top with: Sour cream, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, diced avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, lime wedges.
- As leftovers: Chili flavors deepen over time, making for even tastier lunches or dinners the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day. Cool, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled chili in airtight containers up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to serve.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe, freeze half, and enjoy a homemade meal on busy nights.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, substitute with ground chicken or 95% lean beef if preferred. Turkey offers a lighter option with less fat.
How do I make turkey chili less spicy?
Use mild chili powder and omit spicy add-ins like jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also add extra tomato or a spoonful of yogurt to mellow flavors.
What beans are best for chili?
A mix of pinto, kidney, and black beans provides a balance of textures and flavors. You can use just one or any combination based on preference or what’s in your pantry.
How can I thicken my chili?
Simmer uncovered to let liquid reduce, or add a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal near the end for extra body.
Is turkey chili healthy?
Yes, it’s much lower in fat and calories compared to beef chili and rich in protein and fiber from beans and vegetables.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Simply replace turkey with plant-based meat or double up on beans and chopped vegetables.
Expert Tips for the Best Turkey Chili
- Browning the turkey and sautéing aromatics first deepens flavor.
- Use whole peeled tomatoes for a richer, chunkier base—crush them by hand as you add them.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as chili flavors develop during simmering.
- Chili is highly customizable—don’t hesitate to riff with your favorite spices or veggies.
Turkey Chili Recipe Card (for Quick Reference)
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 2 Tbsp. |
| Ground Turkey | 1 lb. |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, chopped |
| Onion | 1 large, chopped |
| Whole Peeled Tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce can) |
| Tomato Paste | 1/4 cup |
| Green Bell Peppers | 2, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Red Bell Peppers | 2, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Sugar | 1 Tbsp. |
| Chili Powder | 2 1/2 tsp. |
| Dried Oregano | 1 1/2 tsp. |
| Ground Cumin | 1 1/4 tsp. |
| Pinto Beans (drained, rinsed) | 1 (15-ounce can) |
| Kidney Beans (drained, rinsed) | 1 (15-ounce can) |
| Black Beans (drained, rinsed) | 1 (15-ounce can) |
Savor a Bowl of Better-For-You Chili
This hearty turkey chili recipe delivers robust flavor, a nutrient-rich profile, and comfort in every spoonful. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a meal as suitable for lively get-togethers as it is for cozy nights in. See how easy it is to make this one-pot wonder part of your regular meal rotation!
References
- https://houseofyumm.com/crockpot-turkey-chili/
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a3439/turkey-chili-recipe-clv0910/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWtkLt4N188
- https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/turkey-chili-recipe/
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a39799582/white-turkey-poblano-chili-recipe/
- https://www.sbkliving.com/homepage-top-display/healthy-chili-recipe/
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