Imagine a steaming bowl of turkey chili, its savory aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
This hearty dish isn’t only simple to make but also perfectly cozy for any evening.
As you simmer ground turkey with onions, peppers, and spices, watch as these humble ingredients transform into a rich, flavorful chili.
Ready to experience this delicious transformation? Let’s bring this dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup set
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Turkey Chili recipe, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Set up your workspace with the cutting board, knife, measuring cup, and wooden spoon.
- Chopping and Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Mince the garlic.
- Cooking (1 hour)
- Heat the olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. (1 minute)
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. (7 minutes)
- Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper; cook until softened. (5 minutes)
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. (2 minutes)
- Stir in the kidney beans and black beans until well combined. (2 minutes)
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. (1 minute)
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. (2 minutes)
- Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use this time to clean up the workspace. (45 minutes)
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timeline slightly as needed to accommodate your personal cooking speed and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper; cook until softened.
Add the crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
Stir in the kidney beans and black beans until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for a creamy and melty texture.
- Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice and add a tangy flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and fresh taste.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious chili.
- Avocado Slices: Top with avocado slices to add a creamy texture and healthy fats.
Storage
To store turkey chili, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze turkey chili, let it cool completely.
Divide into airtight containers and label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat turkey chili, use a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Alternatively, microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish. Stir halfway through to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Turkey chili is a versatile and hearty dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as part of a casual get-together, this turkey chili is sure to be a hit.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy your homemade turkey chili with your favorite toppings for an added burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey With Another Protein?
You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or pork. Make certain the protein’s fat content complements your desired flavor profile. Source high-quality, fresh meat to maintain the dish’s integrity and enhance the final taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Substitute ground turkey with textured vegetable protein or lentils for a vegetarian option. Guarantee proper hydration and seasoning to maintain flavor profile. Source fresh organic produce and high-quality canned beans to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Turkey Chili?
Pair turkey chili with a side of cornbread or a mixed greens salad for balance. Opt for quinoa or brown rice to complement the dish’s protein. Source quality ingredients from local markets for the freshest flavors.
Is This Recipe Suitable for a Slow Cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the turkey, onion, garlic, and bell pepper first. Transfer them to the slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for More Servings?
To increase servings, double the ingredients while maintaining the ratio of spices. Make sure you use a larger pot to accommodate volume. Adjust seasoning to taste after simmering, as flavors might intensify. Secure quality ingredients for best results.

Turkey Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup set
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed, 1 can
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed, 1 can
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper; cook until softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
- Stir in the kidney beans and black beans until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.