Why You’ll Love Turkey Chili Recipe
This chili is packed with bold, comforting flavors while staying lighter than traditional beef chili. The combination of spices creates a warm, slightly smoky taste, and the slow simmer allows everything to meld beautifully. It’s also great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 medium yellow onions
1 red bell pepper
6 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 pounds 93% lean ground turkey, divided
1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth, plus extra as needed
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, cheese, scallions for serving
Directions
Place the onions, red bell pepper, and garlic into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, being careful not to purée. Alternatively, chop them by hand.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables along with the chili powder, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add about 1 1/4 pounds of the ground turkey. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink.
Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 1 hour, allowing the chili to thicken.
Form the remaining turkey into a ball, then pinch off small teaspoon-sized pieces and drop them into the chili. Continue simmering for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is tender and the chili reaches your desired thickness. Add extra broth if needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, cheese, or scallions.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
Add black beans or pinto beans for more variety.
Include corn for a touch of sweetness and texture.
Make it spicier by increasing cayenne or adding fresh chili peppers.
For a smoky flavor, add a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Make it vegetarian by replacing turkey with extra beans and vegetables and using vegetable broth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in individual portions.
This chili freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Why is the turkey added in two stages?
Adding part of the turkey later creates a more tender texture and adds variety to the chili.
Can I use pre-ground spices?
Yes, all the spices listed are typically used in ground form for convenience.
How do I thicken my chili?
Let it simmer longer uncovered or reduce the amount of broth. You can also mash some of the beans.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Is this chili spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
What toppings go best with turkey chili?
Popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and lime juice.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but canned tomatoes provide a richer, more consistent flavor for chili.
How do I prevent the chili from sticking?
Stir occasionally and add extra broth if it becomes too thick.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to use a large enough pot and adjust seasoning as needed.
Conclusion
This Turkey Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a small group or enjoying throughout the week. With its rich texture, balanced spices, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
