Cozy Night In: Robust Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe

Chili nights call for a robust and comforting homemade turkey chili that warms you from the inside out.

This delectable turkey chili recipe delivers a perfect balance of spices and lean protein.

Packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, the chili simmers with aromatic herbs and robust seasonings.

Each spoonful brings a delightful combination of tender turkey, beans, and vibrant vegetables.

The recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional chili without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Loaded with nutrients and easy to prepare, this chili promises to become a go-to meal for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Prepare to savor every hearty bite of this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 149 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need for a Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and rich flavor to the chili, choose fresh ground turkey with minimal fat content.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid depth and enhances overall meat flavor, opt for low-sodium versions for better control of salt levels.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: Classic aromatic vegetables that create a robust flavor foundation, select fresh and crisp produce for maximum taste.
• Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano: Spice blend that delivers complex, warm southwestern-style seasoning, use fresh spices for most vibrant flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Essential seasoning elements that balance and heighten overall taste, adjust according to personal heat preference.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create rich, tangy base with smooth consistency, choose high-quality canned tomato products for best results.
• Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and hearty texture, rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep umami undertone and subtle complexity to the dish.

Kitchen Tools for Cooking Turkey Chili With Flavor

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the chili, providing ample space for ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking apart ground turkey while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely add spices and seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Can Opener: Needed to open canned tomatoes and beans smoothly.
• Ladle: Great for serving chili into individual bowls with ease.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers before cooking.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.

How to Make Turkey Chili for Cozy Weeknights

• Brown the Meat and Veggies

Warm oil in a big pot over medium heat. Toss in ground turkey and break it up while cooking until it turns golden brown. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté everything until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

• Spice and Season

Sprinkle in a blend of zesty spices like chili powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Shake in some salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables with the spice mixture.

• Create the Chili Base

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. Add chicken broth and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Stir everything together and let the mixture come to a gentle bubble.

• Slow Simmer and Develop Flavors

Lower the heat and let the chili gently simmer for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

• Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal.

Additions That Bring More Heat or Heartiness

• Dial up or tone down the heat by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Transform this stovetop recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring browned turkey and ingredients to a slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
• Replace ground turkey with lean ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse protein options that keep the recipe exciting.
• Sneak extra nutrition by adding diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach during the vegetable sautéing stage to increase fiber and vitamin content without compromising flavor.
• Double the batch and store extra chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, creating convenient future meals that taste even better after flavors meld together.

Serve Turkey Chili With Cornbread or Chips

• Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty turkey chili during board game evenings with friends, creating a warm and satisfying shared meal that keeps everyone energized and comfortable.
• Tailgate Party Star: Perfect for outdoor sports gatherings, this chili travels well in a thermal container and pairs wonderfully with cold beverages, making it a crowd-pleasing game day choice.
• Weeknight Meal Transformer: Customize the chili with quick toppings like shredded cheddar, diced avocado, or green onions to instantly elevate the dish and add exciting textures and flavors for busy families.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the chili into containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, as it reheats beautifully and maintains its robust flavor and hearty consistency.

Store Turkey Chili for a Ready-to-Eat Meal

• Transfer cooled chili to airtight containers, keeping portions separate for easy reheating.
• Store in sealed containers for up to 4-5 days, maintaining flavor and texture without compromising quality.
• Package chili in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays delicious for 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm slowly in pot or microwave. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty turkey chili emerges as a bold comfort classic, blending lean protein with rich spices for maximum flavor satisfaction. Warm bowls promise delicious nourishment that satisfies hunger while delivering a nutritious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for best texture!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green!)
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor!)
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth (or water for a thicker chili!)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness!)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth!)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika!)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat!)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro or green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Brown ground turkey, breaking it into crumbles, then incorporate onion, garlic, and bell pepper until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Infuse Aromatics: Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne, creating a robust spice foundation. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, chicken broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, blending ingredients thoroughly.
3. Simmer & Harmonize: Reduce heat to low, allowing chili to gently bubble and meld flavors for 25-35 minutes. Periodically stir and taste, adjusting seasonings to achieve desired depth and heat intensity.
4. Presentation & Garnish: Transfer chili into serving bowls, crowning with shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro sprigs, and crunchy tortilla chips. Accompany with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crisp side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Start with less cayenne and adjust gradually to control heat without overwhelming the dish’s flavor profile.
• Ensure ground turkey is fully browned and crumbled for even texture and deeper flavor development.
• Low and slow cooking allows spices to meld and intensify, creating a richer, more complex chili taste.
• Easily swap ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences or restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg