If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that packs a punch of flavor without the heaviness of red meat, this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a brilliant twist on classic chili, using lean ground turkey to create a savory, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping. Loaded with tender beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of spices that brings warmth and depth, this chili is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re new to cooking chili or a longtime fan looking for a lighter option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle, and luckily this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe calls for a simple yet thoughtful combination that builds incredible flavor and appealing texture. Each component plays an important role, from the spices that create that chili warmth to the beans and tomatoes providing body and richness.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): The lean protein base that keeps the chili light but filling.
- Yellow onion (1, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and a mellow crunch once cooked down.
- Chili powder (2 tbsp): The essential spice that gives chili its signature zing and color.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Cumin (1 tsp): Brings a warm, earthy undertone that melds beautifully with the chili powder.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle garlicky depth with ease and convenience.
- Red kidney beans (15.5 oz can, undrained): Provide hearty texture and a boost of protein and fiber.
- Pinto beans (15.5 oz can, undrained): Complement the kidney beans with creaminess and mild flavor.
- Fire roasted tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained): Impart smoky sweetness and rich tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato essence.
- Sour cream: A creamy topping to balance out the spices.
- Shredded cheese: Melts beautifully over the chili, adding luscious richness.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh, green flair that adds color and a pop of brightness.
How to Make Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey and Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, chopped onion, chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic powder all at once. Stir frequently as the turkey cooks and the onion softens, allowing the spices to release their fragrant flavors. This step usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the turkey is no longer pink and the onions become translucent, drain any excess grease for a cleaner, lighter chili base.
Step 2: Add Beans and Tomatoes with Tomato Paste
Next, pour in the canned red kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and tomato paste directly into the pot. Don’t drain the canned beans or tomatoes — their juices are critical in developing a rich, flavorful, and slightly saucy chili. Stir everything well so all these delicious ingredients meld together right from the start.
Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Bring the whole mixture up to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes. This slow simmer allows the spices to deeply penetrate the turkey and beans while the chili thickens beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure consistent cooking.
Step 4: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Toppings
When the chili is rich and hearty, ladle it into bowls and get ready for the best part — the toppings! Add spoonfuls of sour cream, scatter shredded cheese, and sprinkle chopped parsley. These garnishes add creaminess, melty texture, and fresh brightness that elevate the chili experience to something truly special.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect bowl of Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is never complete without garnishes that amp up the flavor and texture contrasts. Cool dollops of sour cream balance the chili’s heat, while melted shredded cheese adds indulgence. Fresh parsley or even chopped green onions introduce a lively, fresh note that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing this chili with some simple sides makes for a complete meal. Cornbread or warm tortilla chips are classic favorites that provide a crumbly, buttery counterpoint. A crisp green salad or a plate of roasted veggies will add freshness and crunch to offset the chili’s hearty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve the chili over a baked sweet potato or atop fluffy white rice for a comforting twist. Spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake for colorful chili-stuffed peppers. You can even use this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe as a topping for nachos or loaded baked potatoes, making it versatile enough for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ground Turkey Chili Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep choice. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave it in a covered dish in short bursts, stirring in between. If the chili thickened during storage, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in this chili?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work similarly, offering a mild flavor and lean protein content. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as ground chicken can cook a bit faster.
Do I need to drain the canned beans and tomatoes?
For this recipe, do not drain the beans or tomatoes because their liquids play a key role in creating the chili’s body and richness. Draining them would result in a drier, less flavorful chili.
How spicy is this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe?
This chili has a warm, comforting heat from the chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce if you want more kick.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the turkey and sauté the onions and spices first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. This lets the flavors develop wonderfully low and slow.
What toppings do you recommend for this chili?
Besides sour cream, shredded cheese, and parsley, you might enjoy diced avocado, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Crunchy tortilla strips also make a fantastic garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is truly a winner for anyone looking to enjoy a filling, flavorful meal that doesn’t weigh you down. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe made for sharing and savoring on cool evenings or busy weeknights. I hope you dive right into making it and find it as comforting and delicious as I do!
Print
Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Chili made with a blend of spices, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting meal, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh parsley for extra taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
Spices
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Canned Goods
- 15.5 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained
- 15.5 ounce can pinto beans, undrained
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, undrained
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
Toppings (Optional)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook turkey and onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey, chopped onion, chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir and cook the mixture until the onions soften and the turkey is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add beans and tomatoes: Pour in the red kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and tomato paste directly into the pot. Do not drain the canned beans or tomatoes, as the liquid adds flavor and body to the chili.
- Simmer chili: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your desired garnishes, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley, if using. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the spices.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with lean ground beef or chicken if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
