Description
Turkey chili is a hearty yet lighter twist on traditional chili, made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. This flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or cozy gatherings, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite. With easy prep, customizable ingredients, and a rich, savory taste, this turkey chili is a go-to comfort meal that fits a variety of diets.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 medium red or yellow onion, diced
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 15 oz corn kernels, drained
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz pinto or white beans (with juice)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup chicken stock or water (as needed)
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 oz diced jalapeños or mild green chilies
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 5-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey and sauté until fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until onions soften.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beans, corn, and jalapeños or chilies if using. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chicken stock or water if you prefer a thinner chili.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Toast spices briefly before adding for deeper flavor.
- Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned ingredients for a heart-healthy version.
- For a vegan version, replace turkey with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Simmer uncovered to thicken or add tomato paste for a richer texture.
Great for meal prep flavor deepens as it sits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg