Chili is the ultimate comfort food, especially during the chilly fall and winter months. If you're looking for a flavorful yet healthy twist on traditional chili, then you’ve come to the right place. This Easy Turkey Chili Recipe is packed with lean protein, hearty beans, and flavorful spices, making it a delicious and nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this turkey chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep reading to find out exactly how to make this dish and learn tips, substitutions, and serving ideas!

What is Turkey Chili?
Turkey chili is a lighter, healthier version of classic beef chili, made using lean ground turkey instead of ground beef. This easy turkey chili recipe retains all the flavors you love about traditional chili, with a few tweaks to reduce calories and saturated fat. It’s the perfect option for those seeking a heart-healthy meal without compromising on taste.
Ingredients List for Easy Turkey Chili
To make this Easy Turkey Chili Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean, 93% or 99% fat-free)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Avocado slices
Substitutions and Variations
This turkey chili recipe is quite versatile, so you can easily make substitutions based on your dietary preferences and what you have in your pantry:
- Ground Chicken: Swap ground turkey with ground chicken if you prefer.
- Beans: Use any combination of beans you like, such as pinto beans or white beans instead of kidney or black beans.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for more or less heat.
- Vegetables: Add more veggies like zucchini, carrots, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beans, broth, and tomato sauce to reduce the sodium content.
- Vegan Option: Skip the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans for a vegan-friendly chili.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Easy Turkey Chili is a breeze. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get the best results:
- Prep Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the ground turkey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices, which enhances their flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Then add the drained beans and dried oregano. Stir again and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chili: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season to Taste: Taste the chili and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
How to Cook Easy Turkey Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Pot: Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even cooking.
- Brown the Meat First: Browning the turkey gives it a deeper flavor and prevents the meat from being too soft.
- Don’t Skip the Spices: Adding spices to the meat and vegetables before the liquid ingredients boosts the flavor.
- Simmer for Flavor: Letting the chili simmer allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste.
- Taste and Adjust: After simmering, always taste your chili and adjust the seasonings before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using High Heat: Avoid cooking chili on high heat, as it can lead to burning and uneven cooking. A low simmer allows the flavors to develop.
- Not Draining the Beans: Failing to rinse and drain canned beans can make your chili too salty.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Add vegetables after the meat has browned to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Skipping the Toppings: Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro add texture and flavor. Don’t skip them!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make a world of difference. When serving this Easy Turkey Chili, keep these tips in mind:
- Serve in a Bowl: A rustic bowl enhances the comfort-food vibe.
- Add Toppings Carefully: Use a spoonful of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and a garnish of cilantro or green onions to make the dish visually appealing.
- Accompany with Sides: Pair your turkey chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad to create a complete meal.
How to Serve Easy Turkey Chili
This turkey chili can be served in various ways:
- Classic Bowl: Serve in a warm bowl with toppings.
- Over Rice: Spoon chili over a bowl of rice for an extra filling meal.
- On a Baked Potato: Serve chili on top of a baked potato for a delicious twist.
- With Cornbread: Pair with warm cornbread for a classic combination.
Presentation Ideas for Easy Turkey Chili
Make your chili pop with these presentation ideas:
- Colorful Toppings: Use bright-colored toppings like avocado, red bell pepper, or cilantro.
- Chili Bar: Set up a DIY chili bar with various toppings and sides, perfect for parties.
- Mini Bread Bowls: Serve the chili in mini bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation.
Easy Turkey Chili Recipe Tips
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a big batch of this chili and store it in individual containers for easy meal prep.
- Freezing Tips: This chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Leftovers Taste Better: Like most stews, turkey chili often tastes better the next day. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the turkey in a skillet first, then transfer it along with all other ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just omit the turkey and add an extra can of beans or some diced vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, for a hearty vegetarian chili.
Q: How long does turkey chili last in the fridge?
A: This chili will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Q: How can I thicken my chili?
A: If your chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Yes, if you prefer, you can use ground beef instead of turkey. Just be aware that it will increase the calorie and fat content of the dish.
Conclusion
This Easy Turkey Chili Recipe is a fantastic, flavorful, and healthier option for chili lovers everywhere. With lean ground turkey, beans, and a medley of spices, this dish is satisfying and nutritious, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe for your next meal prep, game day, or cozy family dinner. We hope you enjoy making this turkey chili as much as you'll enjoy eating it. Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Turkey Chili Recipe
This easy turkey chili recipe is a delicious, healthy twist on classic chili, featuring lean turkey, beans, and a blend of savory spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a high-protein, low-fat dish that will satisfy any craving without the guilt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasonings as desired. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of chicken broth or simmer longer. This dish can also be prepared in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
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