Turkey Chili with Beans (Printable View)
Flavorful chili featuring lean turkey and a blend of beans with bold spices and a rich tomato base.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
07 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
08 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
17 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Pantry
18 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Garnishes (optional)
19 - Chopped cilantro
20 - Sliced green onions
21 - Shredded cheese
22 - Sour cream
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all elements.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with preferred garnishes.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It comes together in an hour start to finish, which means you can serve dinner before everyone gets too hungry.
- The spice blend is balanced enough that even cautious eaters enjoy it, but you can absolutely crank up the heat if that's your style.
- Lean turkey keeps things lighter while the beans add real substance and protein that actually keeps you satisfied.
- It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd without cooking twice.
02 -
- Don't skip toasting those spices in step four, or they'll taste dusty and raw no matter how long you simmer. That one minute of toasting changes everything.
- If you want thicker chili, simmer it longer without the lid, but if you want it brothier, reduce the simmer time. There's no single right consistency, just your preference.
03 -
- If you want extra thickness without extra time, mash about a quarter of the beans against the side of the pot while simmering. This releases their starch and creates a naturally creamier texture.
- Bloom your spices in a tiny bit of oil or tomato paste for thirty seconds before adding the liquid, which deepens their flavor exponentially and is a technique worth knowing.