This turkey chili recipe is a family favorite for a reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and secretly packed with vegetables, making it a perfect one-pot meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your family will love how delicious it tastes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground beef or ground chicken can be used instead.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use diced or crushed tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a nice smoky flavor.
- Beans: Kidney beans and black beans are classic, but pinto beans or cannellini beans work too.
- Vegetables: We’re using carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini for the hidden veggie magic. Feel free to add other finely diced veggies like sweet potato or spinach.
- Chili Powder & Cumin: Essential for that classic chili flavor. Adjust to your spice preference.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely grated or minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 zucchini, finely grated or minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, cornbread
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (without toppings)
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, cutting board, knife, grater (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Aromatics and Hidden Veggies
Stir in the chopped onion, grated carrots, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and grated zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Chili Base
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. This step really brings out their flavor.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Taste and Serve
Taste the turkey chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt or chili powder. Ladle the warm turkey chili into bowls and top with your favorite additions like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Storage Instructions
Leftover turkey chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this turkey chili spicier? Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño with the other vegetables, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Do I have to grate the vegetables? Grating helps them disappear into the chili, especially for picky eaters. You can finely dice them if you prefer.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, after browning the turkey and sautéing the veggies on the stovetop, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- What can I serve with this turkey chili? Cornbread, crackers, a simple side salad, or rice are all great options.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this turkey chili recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? While possible, canned tomatoes offer a more concentrated flavor and texture ideal for chili. If using fresh, you’ll need more and may need to cook longer to break them down.
