Best Ground Turkey Chili

Enjoy a simmering pot of Ground Turkey Chili, a true embodiment of culinary comfort and delight. Brimming with flavors and hearty satisfaction, this nutritious meal is a guilt-free indulgence that is sure to win over your family. This cozy bowl of “comfort” will embrace you on those chilly evenings when the world outside grows cold.  The melding of flavors and textures in the chili promises to delight your taste buds, especially when accompanied by my Homemade Sweet Cornbread. Because naturally, chili and cornbread make a perfect pair. 

When the brisk winds of Fall arrive and the allure of staying in surpasses going out there's truly nothing like the magic of a pot of soup or chili to drive away the gloom of an overcast day. Dive into the world of cozy cuisines with dishes like my Short Rib Beef Chili which stands as a testament to satisfying delight. Wild Rice Chicken Soup is a great recipe loaded with texture and flavor that you should grab. Also, look no further than my treasured "hand-me-down" recipe for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, especially if you're in search of a timeless hug of nostalgia. Check out a truly comfy soup recipe that is always everyone's favorite - Easy Tomato Basil Soup. 

Ingredients for Easy Ground Turkey Chili

• Red and Sweet Onions - Red onions are pungent and somewhat spicy. While sweet onions are sweeter than regular yellow onions. Both of these together complement this chili dish.
• Jalapeño Peppers -  Depending on your family's "heat" preference, you can add or not add sliced jalapeños.
• Garlic Cloves
• Lean Ground Turkey - I went with the lean 90/10 ground turkey.
• Tomato Paste - A thick tomato concentrate that infuses the sauce with a rich zesty flavor.
• Chicken Stock - I always choose stock over broth. It has tons more flavor and is a more concentrated, richer liquid.
• Adobo Chipotle Peppers - These add a distinctly spicy and smoky flavor but with a sweet aspect.
• Spices and Herbs - Chili Powder, Cumin, Ground Coriander, Smoked Paprika, and Dried Oregano.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes - If you like a chunkier tomato base, then go with diced or petite diced tomatoes. 
• Canned Beans - Dark Red Kidney and Black Beans
• Brown Sugar - The sugar balances out the heat and the savory portion of this recipe.

How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili

• Saute onions and jalapeños in 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute once onions and jalapeños are tender.

• Cook the ground turkey - In the same pan as the onions and garlic, add ground turkey, turn the heat to medium, and cook for three to five minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to break up the clumps of ground turkey. 

• Add the chicken stock -Before adding the spices, pour 1 ½ cups of chicken stock into the pan and scrape to release any bits stuck to the bottom; this technique is known as "deglazing."

• Add spices, herbs, chipotle peppers & tomato paste - Turkey, typically bland, requires more than just salt and pepper for flavor. These additional ingredients elevate the complexity of this chili.

• Add Crushed Tomatoes - Balancing meat, beans, and tomatoes is vital in this recipe to prevent an overwhelming tomato base. Three 14-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes created a perfect blend with the turkey and beans.

• Add the beans- In this Turkey Chili Recipe, I used dark red kidney beans and black beans. Make sure to rinse and drain your beans really well before adding them to the pan. 

• Simmer the Turkey Chili - Cover and allow it to simmer on low for at least an hour. Be attentive, stirring occasionally to prevent the chili from sticking to the pan's bottom. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.

What to Serve with this Turkey Chili Recipe

The beauty of this pot of deliciousness is how hearty and complex it is which makes it worthy to be a stand-alone dish. If you want to spruce it up even more though throw in one of the following sides. 

• Homemade Sweet Cornbread. The sweetness of the bread is the absolute perfect companion.
• Dinner Rolls. A classic family recipe handed down through the generations that creates soft and fluffy bread with golden highlights.
• Sweet Potato Fries. This recipe is for baked sweet potato fries, which even adds to the healthy aspect of the turkey chili.
• A simple side salad.

What should you Top this Dish with?

• Sour Cream. A favorite garnish is a dollop of sour cream which adds a cool, tangy flavor. It gives it a creamy texture as well. 
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese. This also gives it a tangier taste and contributes to a creamier finish.
• Fresh Sliced Jalapeños. If you and your family like a bit more heat throw in some sliced jalapeños.
• Sliced Avocados and Diced Fresh Tomatoes. Not only will these brighten up your dish, but they also add freshness.
• Tortilla Strips or Corn Chips. If you're looking for some added crunch, grab a handful of either tortilla strips or corn chips and throw them in. Both of these pair well with chili. 

Can you Substitute Ground Beef for Turkey?

For sure! I would choose 90/10 grass-fed beef or bison. 

Can You Use Different Beans in Turkey Chili Recipes?

Yes. You want beans that hold up under the pressure of everything else going on in this recipe. Pinto Beans would be a good substitute for that. You can add great northern beans or navy beans as well.  It's best to have at least two different types of beans for added texture.

Can You Make Chili in the Crock Pot and/or the Instant Pot?

In the Crock Pot

• In large pot, sauté 0nions and jalapeños in a skillet. Add the garlic. Brown the ground turkey. Add the tomato paste.
• Transfer the meat mixture to the crockpot. 
• Add the chicken stock, beans, tomatoes, and seasonings, along with the other ingredients. 
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

In the Instant Pot

Can you freeze this Recipe?

Absolutely. Chili in general freezes beautifully. Wait until it cools completely and spoon it into freezer plastic bags or other freezer-type containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Ground Turkey Chili

When ready to reheat, take it out of the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Pour it into a large saucepan and slowly reheat while stirring regularly. Or if you're short on time, run hot water over the frozen package until it loosens from the sides of the ziplock bag. Place the frozen block into a large microwave-safe bowl and heat over medium-low heat until fully reheated, stirring often.

How Long is Chili Good for in the Refrigerator?

This chili is fantastic as leftovers, which is a bonus considering it yields a generous pot. Much like a fine wine, it improves with time. The longer it rests, the more it matures, and its flavors are enhanced. You can refrigerate this Turkey Chili for up to four days.

If you're on the hunt for a quick weeknight dinner solution that allows you to breeze through the kitchen in just thirty minutes, leaving behind minimal cleanup, this Easy Ground Chili Recipe is for you. This one-pot wonder delivers all you could desire in a meal. Should you prefer a leisurely simmer, it may take a bit more time, but that provides the perfect opportunity to pour a glass of wine, put your feet up, and savor a rare "moment" of relaxation. Those moments don't seem to come around too often, after all.

More Soup and Chili Recipes

Short Rib Beef Chili

Healthy Tomato Basil Soup

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Mexican Chicken Soup with Tortillas

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