The Best Turkey Chili Recipe

I recently made my Homemade Turkey Chili Recipe and was pleasantly surprised by its vibrant flavor. I combined lean ground turkey, chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and garlic with tomatoes and beans to create a hearty dish bursting with spice and color. Every spoonful offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

I came up with this turkey chili recipe after experimenting in the kitchen for a while and my version turns out to be one of the best turkey chili recipes I’ve ever made. I start with 1 lb of lean ground turkey and add a large chopped onion along with red and green bell peppers for an extra crunch.

I always toss in some minced garlic because it adds such a kick. Then I mix in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, kidney beans, and black beans along with 2 cups of low sodium turkey broth.

The spices, like 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp dried oregano, truly make this chili pop. A pinch of cayenne pepper takes it to the next level if you like a bit of spice.

I’ve been called the master of Chili Recipe With Ground Turkey and this homemade turkey chili recipe is easy, healthy and simply blast it with flavor. Enjoy and dig in!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this turkey chili recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, its mix of spices makes every bite super flavorful and fun to eat. The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives it a kick that’s just right without being too overpowering.

Second, I really dig that it’s a healthy meal option. Using lean ground turkey with lots of veggies like onions, red and green bell peppers, and beans not only makes it hearty but also good for my body.

Third, it’s an easy recipe to follow even when I’m tired. The instructions are simple enough to remember and execute, so I don’t get lost in fancy steps or confusing techniques.

Lastly, I like that it’s super versatile. Whether I’m in the mood for a mild chow or something with a bit more heat (thanks to that pinch of cayenne), I can tweak the seasonings to suit my taste. Overall, it’s a reliable, tasty dinner that makes me feel like a great cook even on my rushed nights.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: Loaded with lean protein and low in fat that makes your chili hearty.
• Onion: Provides flavor, fiber, and antioxidants that help boost the dish naturally.
• Red bell pepper: Sweet and crisp, it adds vitamin C and color to the mix.
• Green bell pepper: Brings vibrant taste and extra vitamins which keep this dish interesting.
• Kidney beans: Packed with protein, fiber, and good carbs that fuel you steadily.
• Tomato paste: Rich and tangy, it thickens the chili with concentrated tomato goodness.
• Garlic: Enhances aroma and offers stimulating flavor that elevates every spoonful.
• Black beans: They add depth, nutritious fiber and extra protein making the chili hearty.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean if possible)
• 1 large onion, chopped roughly
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups low sodium turkey broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it a bit spicy

How to Make this

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey. Cook until it’s browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly.

2. Once the turkey is browned, toss in the chopped onion and both the red and green bell peppers. Let them cook for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant.

4. Mix in the diced tomatoes with their juice and then add the tomato paste. Stir well so the tomato paste is evenly distributed.

5. Pour in the turkey broth and bring the mix to a gentle simmer.

6. Now add the kidney beans and black beans. Stir them in carefully to not break them up too much.

7. Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the pot. Stir thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. If you’re into a kick of spice, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember, you can always add more later if needed.

9. Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 25-30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together, stirring occasionally.

10. Taste your turkey chili and adjust any seasonings if needed, then serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream if you want to. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot (6-8 quart)
2. Stove
3. Sharp kitchen knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Can opener
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Colander or strainer (for draining beans)

FAQ

The Best Turkey Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground turkey: You could swap it with ground chicken or lean ground beef if you’re short on turkey.
• Large onion: A couple of shallots or even red onions will do the trick and add a nice twist.
• Red or green bell pepper: Try using yellow or orange bell pepper when you cant find the originals.
• Kidney beans: Pinto beans or cannellini beans are good alternatives if you need something different.
• Low sodium turkey broth: Low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth works just fine as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really brown the turkey first before anything else so that you get a deep flavor in your chili, its not worth rushing this step.
2. When you add the veggies, let them sauté just a bit longer so they get soft and a little bit caramelized; this adds a richer taste without turning them mushy.
3. Mix in the tomato paste well with the diced tomatoes and broth because if it doesn’t dissolve right the flavors could be uneven spread out in the chili.
4. Let the chili simmer for a solid 25-30 minutes or even longer if you can, the way the flavors meld together is seriously worth the wait, trust me on that.