Award Winning Turkey Chili is a delicious, hearty dish that warms you up from the inside out. This chili is packed with flavors and offers a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili, thanks to the lean ground turkey. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day gathering. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, this Award Winning Turkey Chili is a fantastic choice. It’s not only comforting and full of flavor, but it also packs in plenty of protein and fiber from the beans. This chili is great for dinner parties, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week. With ingredients you likely already have at home, you can whip up this winning dish in no time!
How to Make Award Winning Turkey Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Directions:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and let it warm up.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the cooked turkey and stir to combine.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, and stir everything together.
- Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot, mixing them into the chili.
- Stir in the brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the chili.
- Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 30 minutes, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, mixing it well into the chili.
- Serve the chili in bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
How to Serve Award Winning Turkey Chili
This chili is best served hot in a bowl. You can garnish it with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor. It pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Award Winning Turkey Chili
If you have leftovers, let the chili cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Award Winning Turkey Chili
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
- Letting the chili sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge can enhance the flavors, making it even tastier.
Variation
You can easily customize this chili by swapping out the ground turkey for ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Adding different types of beans, such as pinto beans or chickpeas, can also change the flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the turkey and onions in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you will need about 4 cups, chopped, and you may need to adjust the cooking time to allow them to soften.
3. Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free; just be sure to check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Enjoy making and sharing this Award Winning Turkey Chili – it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Award Winning Turkey Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey Lean ground turkey for a healthier option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Provides flavor and aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes Adds moisture and flavor.
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce Base for the chili.
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed Provides protein and texture.
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed Another source of protein and color.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder Gives the chili its characteristic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika For a hint of smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano Traditional herb used in chili.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for spiciness.
- ½ cup chicken broth For adding depth and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Balances the acid in tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper To taste.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish.
- ¼ cup sour cream (for topping) Adds creaminess.
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping) For extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and let it warm up.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Cooking
- Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the cooked turkey and stir to combine.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, and stir everything together.
- Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot, mixing them into the chili.
- Stir in the brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the chili.
- Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 30 minutes, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, mixing it well into the chili.
- Serve the chili in bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
