The Best Homemade Turkey Chili Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade turkey chili is packed with flavor and easy to make, perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd. You’ll love how simple it is to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Healthy and hearty: Lean turkey keeps it light, while beans and veggies add plenty of filling goodness.
- Quick to make: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep and one pot for easy cleanup.
- Family-friendly: Mildly spiced but full of flavor, so even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
Recipe
This hearty and flavorful homemade turkey chili is a perfect dish for chilly evenings or game day gatherings. It’s packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and a blend of spices for a satisfying and healthy meal. Customize the heat level to your liking and serve with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes:
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6
Nutrition
This homemade turkey chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious meal choice. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade turkey chili with simple side dishes that let its flavors shine, like cornbread or a crisp green salad. For drinks, I usually go for something invigorating, such as iced tea or a cold beer, depending on the mood. Let me share some of my favorite combos that turn this chili into a complete, satisfying meal.
Side Dishes
A warm bowl of homemade turkey chili deserves sides that complement its rich, hearty flavors without stealing the spotlight. I love serving it with freshly baked cornbread, warm and crumbly, with optional cornbread toppings like honey butter or jalapeño slices for a kick. For crunch, try tortilla chips with spicy dips like guacamole or salsa for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the meal, while roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness. These sides enhance the chili without overwhelming it, creating a meal that feels cozy and complete every time.
Beverage Pairings
Pairing beverages with homemade turkey chili can elevate the whole meal, making every bite and sip even more satisfying. For wine pairings, I love a fruity Zinfandel or a smooth Merlot—they balance the chili’s warmth without overpowering it. If you prefer beer suggestions, a crisp lager or a malty amber ale complements the spices perfectly. I’ve found that a cold glass of iced tea or a tangy limeade also works wonders, especially if you’re keeping it light. Whatever you choose, the right drink can turn a simple bowl of chili into a cozy, memorable feast. Cheers to that!
