This turkey chili is a hearty bowl of warmth, packed with ground turkey, beans, and spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or game day!
What I love most about this dish? It’s super easy to make, and the flavors just get better the longer it simmers. I often top mine with cheese and avocado—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star ingredient. I prefer it for its lean protein, but you can substitute with ground chicken or lean beef if you like. Even plant-based ground meat works for a veggie version!
Kidney Beans: They add texture and protein. If you don’t have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans are great alternatives. Canned beans make this dish quick and easy!
Chili Powder: This blend spices up the dish. If you’re out, use a mix of paprika, cumin, and a bit of cayenne for heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste!
Corn: Fresh corn is fantastic, but frozen or canned corn works just as well. It adds sweetness and crunch to the chili!
Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience. If you prefer fresh, chop up about 4 tomatoes and toss them in. Crushing them adds extra flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Has Great Flavor?
Building flavor is key! Start by sautéing the onions until soft—this adds sweetness. Next, toast the spices by cooking them with the turkey. Cooking them for just one minute makes a big difference!
- After adding the beans and tomatoes, let the chili simmer. This is when the flavors meld together.
- Taste the chili before serving. A hint of extra salt or chili powder can really bring everything to life!
- I like to let my chili sit for a bit before serving. The flavors develop even more as it cools!
What’s the Best Way to Adjust the Heat Level?
Chili can be spicy, or it can be mild. If you like it spicy, add the cayenne pepper early on, but start with a small amount! You can always add more later if you prefer more heat.
- If it becomes too spicy, adding a bit more tomato sauce or a dollop of sour cream can help mellow it out.
- For a milder chili, simply skip the cayenne and serve hot sauce on the side for anyone who wants an extra kick!
Delicious Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
For the Chili:
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup water or low sodium chicken broth
Optional Toppings:
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- chopped green onions or scallions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This turkey chili takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking, so you’re looking at around 40 minutes total. It’s a quick meal that simmers up while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Adding Garlic & Turkey:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for an additional 1 minute. Be sure to stir it around so it doesn’t burn. Next, add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink.
3. Mixing in the Spices:
Once the turkey is ready, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook this for 1 minute to really enhance those spice flavors.
4. Adding the Rest:
Now it’s time to add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, tomato sauce, and water or chicken broth. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
5. Simmering Your Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally and watch as it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully!
6. Final Touches:
Give it a taste once it’s done and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder, if it needs it.
7. Serving It Up:
Serve the turkey chili hot in bowls. Top with some shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for ground turkey and will work just as well in this chili, providing a similar texture and flavor.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños along with the onions. You can also serve hot sauce on the side to let everyone customize their heat level!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What Can I Serve With This Chili?
This turkey chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice. You can also serve it over baked potatoes or with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
