This turkey chili is a warm and filling dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with ground turkey, beans, and lots of tasty spices, it brings some serious flavor!
What’s great is how easy it is to make—you just cook everything in one pot! I love to top it with cheese and sour cream; it makes it even yummier. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish, offering a lean protein option. If you prefer, you can substitute it with ground beef or chicken for a different taste, or even use a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Beans: Kidney and black beans add protein and fiber. You can mix it up by using pinto beans or chickpeas if you have them on hand. Just ensure they’re drained and rinsed before adding!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you like it spicy, throw in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work too, though it won’t have that smoky flavor.
Corn: Fresh or frozen corn gives a sweet crunch to the chili. If you don’t have corn, feel free to leave it out or use diced bell peppers instead for added texture.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth. If you’re out of broth, using water will still work, just consider adding extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Layering in My Chili?
Flavor layering is key for a delicious chili. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil to build a strong base. Cooking the ground turkey with spices allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Make sure to sauté onions until they are soft and slightly caramelized—it brings out their sweetness.
- Add the garlic just before the turkey, so the flavors stay fresh.
- Be generous with the spices! A little can go a long way, but adding them early allows them to bloom and deeply flavor the dish.
- After adding everything to simmer, let it cook low and slow for the best results! This is when the flavors meld beautifully.
Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to fit your palate. Enjoy your chili-making journey!
How to Make Delicious Turkey Chili
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will It Take?
Making this turkey chili will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30-40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and cook them until they soften, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a delicious base for your chili. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell fantastic!
2. Brown the Turkey:
Now, add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up gently with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir to evenly cook the meat.
3. Spice It Up:
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the turkey and onions are coated with the spices. The spices add a warm, inviting flavor to the chili!
4. Add the Tomato Paste:
Next, add the tomato paste to the pot and cook it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps deepen the flavor of the chili.
5. Combine All Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together until well combined. It’s starting to look like chili now!
6. Simmer and Stir:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling slightly, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
7. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add extra salt, pepper, or chili powder based on your preference. This is where you can make it just right for you!
8. Serve and Garnish:
ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. These toppings add texture and flavor!
Enjoy your warm and comforting Turkey Chili—perfect for sharing with family and friends! 😊
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that beef typically has more fat, so you may want to drain some fat after cooking it before proceeding with the recipe.
What Beans Can I Use in This Chili?
You can use any canned beans you have on hand! While kidney and black beans are traditional, pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas would work nicely. Just remember to rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content!
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes, it’s easy to make this chili vegetarian! Simply replace the ground turkey with a meat substitute like tempeh or a plant-based ground meat. Ensure that you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth as well.
How Should I Store Leftover Chili?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if necessary!
