Description
This hearty turkey chili recipe is a flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining ground turkey with beans, tomatoes, and a blend of smoky spices, it simmers into a rich and satisfying chili that’s great for family dinners or meal prep. Topped with your choice of cheese, sour cream, or avocado, this chili offers a delicious and comforting taste of classic American cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 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
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the spice mixture for about 1 minute to bloom the flavors and aromas.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the chili cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with optional shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper with the vegetables.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the turkey and add more beans or vegetables like zucchini.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
