White Bean Chili Recipe

Picture a steaming bowl of white bean chili, its savory aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

This dish is a quick and cozy favorite, perfect for any night you crave a hearty, homemade meal.

As the ingredients simmer, the flavors meld together, creating a delicious transformation that’s both satisfying and simple.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor its comforting goodness.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 set measuring cups
• 1 set measuring spoons

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the White Bean Chili, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Read through the entire recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
   • Juice the lime and chop the fresh cilantro.
3. Cook Time (45 minutes total)
   • Heating Oil & Sautéing (5 minutes)
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
   • Browning the Turkey (5 minutes)
   • Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned.
   • Adding Spices & Simmering (40 minutes)
   • Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the drained white beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
   • Adding Corn & Final Cooking (5 minutes)
   • Stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Finalizing & Resting (10 minutes)
   • Remove the pot from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
   • Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft.

Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned.

Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Add the drained white beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.

Stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy texture and a hint of saltiness to each bite.
• Avocado Slices: Provide a creamy contrast and a touch of healthy fats.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Offers a cool and tangy complement to the spices.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts over the top to add a rich, cheesy finish.

Storage

Store leftover white bean chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze white bean chili, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat white bean chili, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through.

Add broth if it becomes too thick.

Final Thoughts

White bean chili is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in just over an hour.

The combination of spices, ground turkey, and white beans creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Letting the chili simmer slowly enhances the flavors, making it a delight to enjoy.

Consider making it a day ahead, as the flavors tend to develop even more overnight.

Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, especially if you prefer a spicier kick.

Enjoy your homemade white bean chili with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Frozen Corn?

Yes, you can substitute canned corn for frozen corn. Drain and rinse canned corn before adding it during the final 5 minutes of cooking. This guarantees excess moisture is removed, maintaining the chili’s consistency and flavor balance.

How Can I Make This Chili Vegan?

To make it vegan, replace ground turkey with 1 pound of cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Verify all spices and canned ingredients are vegan-certified for authenticity and flavor consistency.

What Can I Substitute for Fresh Cilantro?

You can substitute fresh cilantro with parsley, which offers a similar bright flavor. Use flat-leaf parsley for a more robust taste. If you prefer a different herb, try basil or mint for a unique twist.

Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?

Yes, substitute ground beef for turkey in equal amounts. Choose lean beef for less fat. Brown it thoroughly for best flavor. Adjust seasonings as beef may be richer. Confirm beef is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

How Do I Thicken the Chili if It’s Too Watery?

To thicken your chili, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the chili. Simmer until thickened. Alternatively, mash some beans to create a thicker consistency. Adjust seasoning after.

White Bean Chili

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 set Measuring cups
• 1 set Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 lime juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft.
• Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned.
• Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the drained white beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
• Stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove the pot from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
• Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, let the chili simmer slowly to ensure the spices meld well with the other ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if you prefer a spicier dish. The chili tends to taste even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for an easy meal.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.