This ground turkey chili is a hearty and tasty dish that warms you up on chilly days. It’s full of flavor and packed with healthy ingredients like beans and tomatoes!
Every time I make it, my kitchen smells amazing, and I can’t wait to dig in! 😋 I love serving it with some crunchy bread or over rice for a complete meal.
What’s great is how quick and easy it is to make—just cook everything in one pot, and dinner is done! Perfect for busy weeknights, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the main protein in the chili. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground chicken works great too. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of black beans and chickpeas instead.
Beans: The combination of black beans and kidney beans adds texture and heartiness. If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans, but if you want more variety, pinto beans or chickpeas are excellent substitutes.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add freshness and moisture. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 4-5 medium tomatoes, diced. For a spicier kick, try fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give the chili a kick. If you like it spicier, add cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, skip the smoked paprika and focus on the chili powder.
Olive Oil: This helps to sauté the onion and garlic. You can swap it for avocado oil or any neutral oil you have on hand. Butter also works well for richer flavor.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Chili?
To deeply flavor your chili, take your time with the sautéing and spice toasting. Start by heating the olive oil, then add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft. This builds a flavor base. When you add the spices, cook them for a minute or two. This releases their oils and boosts their aroma.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and spices at the end to get it just right.
- Consider letting it sit for a while after cooking; chili often tastes even better the next day!
How to Make Ground Turkey Chili?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup corn (optional, frozen or canned)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Turkey Chili takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-45 minutes to cook. In just under an hour, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant. This will give your chili a wonderful flavor base!
2. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Next, add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pot. As it cooks, use a spoon to break it apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink. This is where you’ll start to see your chili come together!
3. Spice it Up:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will toast the spices and enhance their flavors, making your chili super tasty.
4. Add the Other Ingredients:
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (juice included), tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, and corn if you’re using it. Stir everything together well so that all the ingredients are mixed.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it a bit thicker, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Ground Turkey Chili is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this hearty dish with family and friends!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking times as needed; for instance, ground beef may take a little longer to brown. If using a leaner meat, consider adding a splash of broth to keep the chili moist.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you like it spicy, try adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a spoonful of hot sauce when cooking. You can also top it off with sliced fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving!
What Should I Do with Leftover Chili?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Can I Customize the Beans in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to substitute other types of beans such as pinto or white beans, or even add more variety. Just stick to the same total amount of beans to maintain the chili’s texture and flavor.
