Cozy Up with a Soul-Warming Hearty Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili Recipe

Chili nights call for something extraordinary, with this spicy ancho turkey chili delivering bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Smoky ancho peppers bring deep, rich undertones to the classic comfort dish.

Lean turkey provides a healthier protein punch without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Each spoonful promises a warming embrace of robust spices and tender meat.

The combination of carefully selected ingredients creates a symphony of southwestern-inspired goodness.

You’ll savor every bite of this soul-satisfying meal that brings the spirit of comfort food to your table.

Grab a bowl and let this chili transport you to culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients That Bring Smoky Heat to This Turkey Chili

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle richness to the dish's foundation.
• Onion: Builds deep, sweet undertones that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent notes that elevate the chili's complexity.
• Jalapeños: Introduces fresh, spicy kick and vibrant green pepper warmth.

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that absorbs spices beautifully and creates hearty texture.
• Black Beans: Adds creamy texture, plant-based protein, and earthy southwestern character.

• Salt: Balances and intensifies all flavor elements.
• Ancho Chili Powder: Delivers rich, smoky sweetness with mild heat.
• Regular Chili Powder: Provides traditional chili warmth and depth.
• Cumin: Contributes authentic southwestern earthiness and aromatic undertones.

• Salsa: Introduces complex, tangy flavor profile and additional moisture.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Brings smoky, concentrated tomato essence.
• Water or Broth: Helps adjust consistency and enhance overall liquid base.

• Farro: Adds nutty, chewy whole grain texture.
• Rice: Provides classic, soft background element.
• Quinoa: Introduces protein-rich, slightly crunchy component.

Tools to Help You Make It with Minimum Fuss

• Large pot: Essential for sauteing and simmering all ingredients, with enough space to mix and cook comfortably.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground turkey while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurately adding spices like chili powder, cumin, and salt.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and jalapenos before sauteing.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable chopping and ingredient preparation.
• Ladle: Great for serving chili into individual bowls with easy control.

How to Cook This Chili for Deep Flavor Every Time

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot and toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños. Let them dance and sizzle until they become soft and aromatic.

• Brown the Protein

Introduce ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown with no pink remaining.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle in your spice blend – ancho chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings. Fold in black beans and let everything mingle and intensify for a few minutes.

• Create the Liquid Magic

Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes and salsa, stirring to create a rich, vibrant base. Adjust consistency with water or broth if needed.

• Let the Chili Simmer

Allow the mixture to bubble gently, uncovered, melding flavors and thickening to perfection for about 10-15 minutes.

• Optional Hearty Boost

For extra substance, stir in cooked farro, quinoa, or rice to transform the chili into a more substantial meal.

• Serve and Celebrate

Ladle into bowls and crown with your favorite toppings, ready to enjoy a warm, spicy comfort dish.

Simple Adjustments to Match Your Heat Level

• Perfectly balance the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and chili powders to suit your spice tolerance.
• Easily swap ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for varied protein options.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
• Replace beans with diced zucchini or cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate version that's still packed with flavor.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach during the sautéing stage for added texture and vitamins.

Serve It Up with Style and Crunchy Extras

• Cozy Chili Night Spread: Create a warm, inviting dinner scene with bowls of steaming chili surrounded by toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and sour cream for guests to customize their meal.
• Hearty Grain Bowl Twist: Transform leftovers into a next-day lunch by serving the chili over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, topped with a fried egg for extra protein and richness.
• Mexican-Inspired Nacho Platter: Spread the chili over crispy tortilla chips, sprinkle with melted cheese, and garnish with diced avocado, green onions, and a drizzle of lime crema for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Campfire Comfort Meal: Pack the chili in a thermos for outdoor adventures, pairing it with cornbread or crusty sourdough to create a satisfying meal around the campfire or during a picnic.

How to Store It Without Losing That Signature Kick

• Refrigerate chili in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making next-day meals even more delicious.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze flat for easy storage, maintaining quality for 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion chili into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Mix with different grains or top with fresh ingredients to create variety throughout the week.
• Warm chili slowly on stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture. Microwave works too, just cover and stir midway through heating.

Hearty Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty “spicy ancho turkey chili” brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to comfort food lovers seeking a warming meal. Fragrant spices and tender turkey create a robust dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
• 2 (14 oz / 396 g) cans fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh salsa (or store-bought)
• 1–2 cups water or broth, as needed for consistency
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapenos, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 tsps ancho chili powder
• 2 tsps regular chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional: 1 cup cooked farro, brown rice, or quinoa

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar
• Green onions
• Avocado slices
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Awakening: Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapenos, sautéing until they become tender and release their vibrant fragrance.
2. Turkey Transformation: Incorporate ground turkey, skillfully breaking it apart while browning until the meat loses its raw appearance and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle salt, ancho chili powder, regular chili powder, cumin, and fold in black beans, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify their complex flavors.
4. Liquid Harmony: Stream in salsa and fire-roasted tomatoes, gently mixing to create a unified base. Adjust consistency with water or broth as desired.
5. Flavor Development: Allow the chili to simmer uncovered, letting the ingredients meld and the sauce thicken, concentrating the robust flavors.
6. Optional Enhancement: For added substance, fold in cooked farro, rice, or quinoa, creating a more substantial and hearty dish.
7. Presentation: Ladle the chili into serving bowls and embellish with your preferred garnishes, inviting diners to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

• Control heat by reducing or increasing jalapeños and chili powders based on personal preference.
• Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.
• Toast spices for 23 minutes to enhance their depth and release maximum flavor before adding liquid ingredients.
• Add extra liquid if chili becomes too thick during simmering, and stir occasionally to prevent bottom burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg