Turkey chili is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends. This recipe is not only filled with rich flavors but is also a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a lighter meal without sacrificing taste.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love turkey chili! It’s packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of colorful ingredients that provide essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients and toppings according to your preferences. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and can be easily made in large batches.
How to Make Turkey Chili
Making turkey chili is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a delicious pot of chili that’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion (chopped)
- 1½ pounds ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 28-ounce can of diced or crushed tomatoes
- 15-ounce can of kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15-ounce can of pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15-ounce can of sweet corn (rinsed and drained)
For topping:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh jalapeños
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Sliced spring onion
- Fresh cilantro
Directions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until evenly browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced or crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans, and sweet corn. Stir gently to combine.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, jalapeños, sour cream, spring onion, and cilantro.
How to Serve Turkey Chili
Turkey chili is delicious when served hot in bowls. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for dipping. Encourage guests to customize their bowls with various toppings to add extra flavor and texture.
How to Store Turkey Chili
Storing turkey chili is easy! Allow it to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Turkey Chili
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
- For a thicker chili, simmer it uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.
- Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to throw in any of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini.
Variation
You can easily adapt this turkey chili recipe by swapping the ground turkey for ground beef or chicken, or by using different beans. Vegetarians can replace meat with additional beans or lentils for a meat-free option!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just make sure to peel and chop them. You will need about 6-8 medium tomatoes to equal a 28-ounce can.
2. How can I make this chili ahead of time?
You can prepare the chili a day or two in advance. Just let it cool, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
3. What can I serve with turkey chili?
Turkey chili goes great with cornbread, steamed rice, or a simple side salad. Tortilla chips are also perfect for dipping!
Now you have a delicious turkey chili recipe to enjoy! It’s simple to make and sure to be a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Turkey Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion (chopped)
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 28 ounces can of diced or crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces can of kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15 ounces can of pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15 ounces can of sweet corn (rinsed and drained)
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh jalapeños
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Sliced spring onion
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until evenly browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced or crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans, and sweet corn. Stir gently to combine.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, jalapeños, sour cream, spring onion, and cilantro.
