Name: Hearty Turkey Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

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I recently made the Hearty Turkey Chili recipe. This chili combines lean ground turkey with beans, tomatoes, and a bold blend of spices for a filling, nutritious meal that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s flavorful, comforting, and easy to prepare.

Hearty Turkey Chili

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers the richness and depth of traditional chili but with lean turkey to keep it lighter. The blend of spices, hearty beans, and tomatoes creates a satisfying texture and flavor that warms me up. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground turkey
Onion, diced
Garlic cloves, minced
Bell peppers, diced
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
Chicken or vegetable broth
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Oregano
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
I add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
I stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for about a minute to toast the spices.
I add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and broth.
I bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat, and let it cook uncovered for about 30–40 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
I taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking time about 40 minutes, for a total of roughly 55 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add corn or diced zucchini for extra veggies.
For more heat, I include diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
I substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef depending on preference.
I serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chili reheats well on the stovetop or microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes—brown the turkey first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, if all canned products and spices are gluten-free certified.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—I replace turkey with beans, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes.

How spicy is this chili?

It has mild to moderate heat by default; I adjust chili powder and add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

What should I serve with this chili?

I love it with cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

I find this Hearty Turkey Chili to be a delicious, nourishing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and versatile enough to adapt to my preferences, making it a reliable comfort food favorite.