Imagine a pot of turkey chili simmering gently on the stove, its rich aroma filling the kitchen with warmth and comfort.
This hearty dish isn’t only easy to make but also offers a cozy embrace in a bowl, perfect for any day.
As the ground turkey browns and melds with vibrant veggies and spices, the flavors deepen, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful feast.
Let’s bring this savory delight to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Turkey Chili, you can follow this timeline:
Preparation Activities (15 minutes)
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Before starting, take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Ingredient Prep (10 minutes):
- Dice the medium onion and bell pepper.
- Mince the 2 cloves of garlic.
- Measure out all spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans and black beans.
- Measure 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro.
Cooking Activities (30 minutes)
3. Cooking Time (30 minutes):
- 0-5 minutes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 5-10 minutes: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- 10-15 minutes: Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic; cook until vegetables are soft.
- 15-18 minutes: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 18-20 minutes: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
- 20-30 minutes: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Resting Time (10 minutes)
4. Resting and Final Touches (10 minutes):
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lime juice and the chopped cilantro.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables are soft.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Cornbread: The sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory and spicy flavors of turkey chili.
- Rice: Serving the chili over a bed of rice can make the meal more filling and absorb some of the flavorful sauce.
- Tortilla Chips: Use tortilla chips as a crunchy topping or for scooping up the chili, adding a fun texture contrast.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy, cooling element to balance the heat of the chili.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices bring a creamy and fresh element that complements the rich flavors of the chili.
Storage
Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze turkey chili, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months for ideal flavor.
Reheating
When reheating turkey chili, use a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes.
Stir halfway.
Final Thoughts
Turkey chili is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.
The combination of ground turkey, beans, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick dinner. The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy your turkey chili with toppings like shredded cheese or avocado for added flavor.
Leftovers can be stored for later, making it a convenient meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Yes, you can use ground beef instead of turkey. Substitute 1 pound of ground beef for the turkey. Make certain you drain excess fat after browning. Adjust seasonings to taste, as beef might change the dish’s flavor profile slightly.
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for Turkey?
You can substitute the turkey with 1 pound of crumbled tofu or 1 1/2 cups of cooked lentils. Make certain you add them after cooking the vegetables for a hearty, protein-packed vegetarian alternative. Adjust spices to taste.
How Can I Make the Chili Spicier?
To make the chili spicier, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 chopped jalapeño during step 4. For extra heat, include 1 teaspoon hot sauce when stirring in lime juice and cilantro at the end.
What Can I Serve With Turkey Chili?
Serve turkey chili with a side of warm cornbread or a crisp green salad. For added texture, top with shredded cheese or sour cream. You can also include tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Dice four medium tomatoes, then cook them longer to reduce moisture. Adjust seasoning as fresh tomatoes may be less concentrated. Make certain they’re fully ripe for the best flavor.
Turkey Chili Stovetop
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
