If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s both flavorful and a little lighter than the usual chili, this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with tender ground turkey, robust spices, and a blend of beans and fire-roasted tomatoes, it offers a perfect balance of warmth, spice, and texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this chili is a satisfying, wholesome option that easily becomes a new favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each contributing to the vibrant color, rich flavor, and satisfying texture that make this chili unforgettable. Understanding what goes into your chili helps you appreciate how every element plays a delicious role.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the chili hearty without extra fat.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 tbsp chili powder: The key spice that brings warmth and classic chili flavor.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 tsp cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky undertone.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a subtle but essential savory punch.
- 15.5 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained: Brings creaminess and protein, no draining preserves flavor.
- 15.5 ounce can pinto beans, undrained: Adds natural sweetness and body.
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, undrained: Gives a smoky brightness and rich tomato flavor.
- 6 ounce can tomato paste: Thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato base.
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped parsley: Perfect garnishes to add creaminess, melty goodness, and fresh color.
How to Make Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Turkey and Onions
Start by warming a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey along with the chopped onions and your seasoning — chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir frequently as the onions soften and the turkey loses its pink color, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor, and removing any excess grease at the end keeps your chili rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Add Canned Ingredients
Next, pour in the red kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and tomato paste straight from their cans without draining. The liquids hold concentrated flavors and add body to the chili, helping everything meld into one harmonious dish. Give everything a good stir to bring all those flavors together.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let the chili simmer covered for 30 to 45 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken to that perfect, spoon-coating texture. This step is where magic happens — patience here is rewarded with incredible taste.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your chili has thickened and the flavors have developed, it’s time to ladle it into bowls. This Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is perfect topped with creamy sour cream, shredded cheese melting on top, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Then, dig in and enjoy all the comforting goodness you just made!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Simple toppings like sour cream provide a cool counterpoint to the chili’s warmth, while shredded cheese adds luscious, melty richness. Fresh parsley or cilantro is not just for decoration — it brings a bright, herbal lift that lightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Your chili pairs wonderfully with classic sides like warm cornbread or tortilla chips that offer crunch and sweetness. A crisp green salad or steamed veggies make a great balance, keeping the meal rounded and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this chili over a baked sweet potato, or dollop it onto fluffy rice bowls topped with avocado slices. You can even turn it into a loaded chili dip for parties by layering it in a casserole dish with cheese and serving warm with chips for scooping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It keeps well for up to 3 months, making it an easy grab-and-go meal on a busy day.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chili gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave single servings, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. This keeps the texture perfect without dryness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this chili and will give you a similar texture and flavor, just make sure to cook it thoroughly as you would the turkey.
Is it necessary to use fire roasted tomatoes?
Fire roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth that enhances the chili’s flavor, but if you don’t have them, regular canned tomatoes will still work fine—just the flavor will be a little different.
Can I make this chili spicy?
Definitely! You can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce while cooking to customize the heat level to your taste.
What can I substitute for kidney and pinto beans?
If you want to switch it up, black beans or cannellini beans are great alternatives that will still offer creaminess and texture to your chili.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer for 30 to 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken nicely. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, the flavors are sure to impress and satisfy. Once you make it, I bet it becomes a go-to staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Chili made with spices, beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato paste, simmered to perfection and served with optional garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 15.5 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained
- 15.5 ounce can pinto beans, undrained
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, undrained
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Turkey and Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey, chopped onion, chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir and cook until the onions soften and the turkey is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Canned Ingredients: Pour in the red kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and tomato paste directly into the pot. Do not drain the canned beans or tomatoes, as the liquid adds flavor and body to the chili.
- Simmer the Chili: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your desired garnishes such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley, if using. Enjoy your delicious chili!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños during cooking.
- You can substitute ground beef or chicken for ground turkey if preferred.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Drain excess grease carefully after cooking the meat to reduce fat content.
