Turkey Chili Recipe

Ben Carraoli

I’ve made this turkey chili recipe so many times, it’s become my signature dish for chilly evenings. The aroma alone is enough to make the whole house feel cozy and inviting. It's a hearty, flavorful meal that always gets rave reviews from family and friends.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground turkey: A healthier leaner alternative to beef that still provides a rich, savory base.
1 medium onion diced: This adds a foundational sweet and aromatic flavor that deepens as it cooks.
3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that pungent, fragrant kick that canned just can't match.
1 bell pepper any color, diced: Red, yellow, or orange peppers add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
28 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices: The juices provide essential liquid and acidity, creating the chili's saucy base.
15 oz canned kidney beans rinsed: Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and the "canned" taste, leaving you with pure, hearty flavor.
2 tbsp chili powder: This classic spice blend is the heart of the chili flavor; adjust it to your preferred heat level.
2 tsp olive oil: A quality olive oil is perfect for sautéing the aromatics without overpowering them.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the other flavors to life.

Method

First, heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté them for about five minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground turkey to the other side. Use your wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until it is browned all over, which should take about seven minutes.
Once the turkey is browned, stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the rinsed kidney beans. Mix everything together thoroughly. This is the stage where your chili really starts to come together and build its rich, saucy base.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili. This is also a great time to taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference before letting it simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeper, more complex taste. A longer simmer time will only make it better.
Finally, ladle the hot turkey chili into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Now, all that's left to do is dig in and enjoy every comforting spoonful!