Quick & Flavorful Turkey Chili: Perfect for Busy Weeknights
There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of chili, especially when the weather starts to cool down. I love making turkey chili because it’s a healthier twist on the traditional beef version, yet still packed with flavor.
My family can’t get enough of it, and the best part? It’s a one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a crowd-pleaser for game day, this turkey chili has quickly become a favorite in our home.
Every time I make it, the bowls are wiped clean, and even the pickiest eaters go for seconds. Trust me, this will become a staple in your household too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! While turkey gives a leaner, lighter flavor, ground beef is a great substitute. Just be mindful of the fat content and adjust your seasoning to taste.
Q: How spicy is this chili?
A: The heat level is mild as written, but you can easily turn it up with more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re serving kids or prefer less spice, just reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Simply brown the turkey on the stove first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How long does this chili keep?
A: Stored in an airtight container, this turkey chili will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking.
Q: What toppings go well with turkey chili?
A: My family loves adding shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro. You can also serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips for some extra crunch.
What You Need to Make Turkey Chili
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Turkey Chili
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Season and simmer: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings!
Tips for the Best Turkey Chili
Double the batch: This chili freezes beautifully, so I always double the recipe and store leftovers for an easy meal later on.
Use fresh garlic: It really enhances the flavor compared to garlic powder.
Add veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding diced zucchini, carrots, or even sweet potatoes.
Thicker chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to reduce.
Reader Reviews
Sarah T. – “Made this for my family and it was a hit! My kids loved it and even my husband, who isn’t usually a fan of turkey, went back for seconds.”
Jenny K. – “This recipe is perfect for meal prep. I made a big batch and froze half for later. It’s so flavorful, and I love that it’s a healthier option!”
Mike L. – “I added a bit more heat because I like my chili spicy, and it turned out great. The turkey was a nice change from beef, and the spices were spot on.”
Anna B. – “Super easy to make and delicious. My only tweak would be to use less broth next time for a thicker consistency, but other than that, it was perfect.”
Paula M. – “This has become my go-to chili recipe! I’ve made it several times and it’s always a winner. It’s easy to customize with whatever beans I have on hand.”
Printable recipe:
Turkey Chilli
This hearty turkey chili is the perfect blend of lean protein and robust flavors, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for any occasion. With easy prep and plenty of customizable toppings, it’s a family favorite that’s great for meal prepping and freezing.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 (15 oz) can corn
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onions and bell pepper for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ground turkey, cooking until browned.
- Stir in spices, then add tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with toppings like cheese and avocado.
Notes
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
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Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you enjoyed this Turkey Chili recipe, I’d love it if you shared it with your friends and family! Whether it’s on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram, sharing recipes helps keep the inspiration going in the kitchen. Plus, I’d love to hear about your variations and see how your chili turned out! Don’t forget to tag me when you post so I can share your creations with my followers. Let’s keep the turkey chili love going—one delicious bowl at a time!
