Hearty Turkey Chili Flavor (Printable)

A nourishing dish with lean turkey, beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices for a flavorful twist.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Beans & Tomatoes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded cheese
21 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
22 - Lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop depth of flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, drained beans, and chicken broth. Mix well to integrate all ingredients.
07 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and top with desired optional garnishes.

# Chef’s Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in an hour but tastes like it simmered all day, with warm spices that feel like a hug in a bowl.
  • The lean turkey means you can eat a big, guilt-free portion without that heavy feeling afterward.
  • It freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have gotten to know each other.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the turkey properly; rushing this step means you miss the caramelization that makes chili taste deep and complex instead of just seasoned.
  • The partial cover is key: it lets steam escape so your chili thickens slightly instead of becoming soup, and the uncovered surface lets some spices concentrate.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half; it thaws beautifully and actually tastes better after a day or two in the freezer.
  • If you have time, let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking before serving so the flavors settle and the heat distributes evenly.
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