Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that everyone will love? This Easy Turkey Chili Recipe is the perfect choice. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, this chili is a lighter take on the classic, but just as hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight, meal prepping, or just craving some cozy comfort food, this recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition. Best of all, it’s easy to customize and can be ready in less than an hour.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to make the best turkey chili. So, let’s dive into this simple, healthy recipe!
What is Turkey Chili?
Turkey Chili is a variation of traditional chili that uses ground turkey instead of beef or pork. It’s a great way to enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of chili with a lower fat content. This dish is made with a combination of ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmered together to create a thick, flavorful stew. Turkey chili is versatile—you can make it as spicy or mild as you like, and it’s easily adaptable to include extra vegetables or different beans.
Ingredients List for Easy Turkey Chili
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious and healthy Turkey Chili:
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground turkey: Lean ground turkey makes this chili lighter and healthier, but still rich in protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Enhances the savory flavor of the chili.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds color and a mild sweetness.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds fiber and protein.
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Another source of fiber and protein.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies: For a spicy kick (you can use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer it milder).
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates the rich, hearty base for the chili.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Helps to thin out the chili and adds more flavor.
- 2 tablespoon chili powder: The key spice for chili flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a sweet, smoky depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional): For extra heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish.
For Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A classic chili topping for extra richness.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Chopped green onions or cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Sliced jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Adds a crunchy texture.
Substitutions and Variations
This turkey chili recipe is flexible, and you can easily adjust it to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand:
- Meat options: If you prefer, you can use ground beef, chicken, or even sausage instead of turkey.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add extra beans or lentils for a vegetarian chili. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn.
- Spice level: Adjust the spice level to your liking. If you like it mild, use less chili powder and omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Beans: You can mix and match your favorite beans. Pinto beans or white beans can be used in place of black or kidney beans.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your broth and toppings (like tortilla chips) are gluten-free as well.
- Slow cooker option: If you want to use a slow cooker, brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Turkey Chili is easy and requires minimal prep. Follow these steps to ensure you get a flavorful, hearty chili every time.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the onions, garlic, and bell pepper: In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add the Spices
- Stir in the spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir for about 1 minute to toast the spices and bring out their flavor.
Step 4: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth
- Add the tomatoes, beans, and broth: Return the browned turkey to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything well.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will meld together.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and season: After the chili has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you prefer a thinner chili, you can add a little more chicken broth at this stage.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips. Enjoy!
How to Cook Easy Turkey Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick summary of how to make the best turkey chili:
- Brown the turkey: Cook the turkey until browned to build flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables: Softening the onion, garlic, and bell pepper adds sweetness and depth.
- Toast the spices: Stir the spices into the veggies to enhance their flavor before adding liquids.
- Simmer: Allow the chili to simmer for about 30 minutes to thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Garnish: Add your favorite toppings for extra texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can impact the flavor or texture of your turkey chili:
- Not browning the turkey properly: Browning the turkey is essential to adding depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Skipping the spice toasting: Toasting the spices for a minute before adding liquids enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Overcooking the vegetables: You want the veggies to be soft but not mushy, so sauté them just until softened.
- Undercooking the chili: Simmering the chili allows the flavors to blend together. Let it simmer for at least 25-30 minutes for the best taste.
- Over-salting: Start with a small amount of salt, as you can always add more at the end after tasting.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Turkey Chili is ready, serve it up with some fun toppings and sides to elevate the dish:
- Serve with cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread or cornbread muffins pairs perfectly with chili.
- Tortilla chips: Offer a side of crunchy tortilla chips to scoop up the chili.
- Top with cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend adds a melty, creamy layer.
- Serve with rice: Serve the chili over steamed rice for a heartier meal.
- With a side salad: Pair the chili with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
How to Serve Turkey Chili
Turkey chili is versatile and can be served in different ways depending on your preference:
- Classic chili bowl: Serve it in a deep bowl with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Chili over rice: Serve the chili over a bed of white or brown rice for a more filling meal.
- Chili stuffed baked potatoes: Spoon the chili over baked potatoes and top with cheese for a delicious twist.
- Chili nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a plate, pour the chili over the top, and add cheese for easy chili nachos.
Presentation Ideas for Turkey Chili
- Rustic serving: Serve the chili in a cast-iron skillet or large soup pot for a rustic, family-style presentation.
- Individual bowls: Lad
le the chili into individual bowls and let each person customize their toppings.
- In bread bowls: Hollow out small bread loaves and serve the chili inside for a fun, cozy presentation.
Turkey Chili Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: Turkey chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This chili freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Slow cooker option: You can make this chili in a slow cooker. After browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make turkey chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Can I freeze turkey chili?
Absolutely. Turkey chili freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. Can I make turkey chili without beans?
Yes, you can make a bean-free version by simply omitting the beans. You can add extra vegetables, like corn or zucchini, to bulk up the chili if you’d like.
4. How long does turkey chili last in the fridge?
Turkey chili will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
5. How can I make this chili spicier?
For more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy Turkey Chili Recipe is the perfect combination of healthy, hearty, and flavorful. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or hosting a casual dinner, this turkey chili will be a hit. With its warm, comforting flavors, this dish is perfect for chilly nights, game day gatherings, or any time you need a cozy, satisfying meal. So gather your ingredients, grab your pot, and enjoy this easy, healthy turkey chili!
PrintEasy Turkey Chili Recipe
This Easy Turkey Chili recipe is packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and a blend of spices for a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors without the guilt!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
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