Hearty Turkey Chili Flavor (Printable version)

A filling blend of turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices for a comforting main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Beans & Tomatoes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded cheese
21 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
22 - Lime wedges

# How To Make:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine evenly.
07 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and modify seasoning as needed before serving.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with desired optional toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ground turkey keeps it lean and protein-packed without sacrificing depth of flavor.
  • It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for nights when you want something substantial but don't have all evening.
  • The spice blend is warm and balanced—just enough kick to feel interesting, but friendly enough for most palates.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing your canned beans—it rinses away the excess sodium and starch, giving you a cleaner-tasting chili.
  • Spices need fat to fully release their flavor, so make sure your turkey is cooked through and the mixture is warm when you add them—it makes a noticeable difference.
  • Partial cover, not full—you want some steam to escape so the chili concentrates rather than becoming soupy.
03 -
  • If your chili finishes cooking and tastes a bit flat despite the spices, a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of hot sauce added at the end can brighten everything up.
  • Browning your turkey first, before adding aromatics, gives you more control—if you add them all at once and the turkey releases liquid, the vegetables steam instead of sauté.
Return