Hearty Turkey Chili Flavor (Printable Version)

A hearty blend of lean turkey, beans, and spices simmered to rich, comforting perfection.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb 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 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
16 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp 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

# How To Make:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; cook 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; break up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables; stir to coat evenly.
05 - Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, beans, and chicken broth; stir to combine thoroughly.
07 - Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings of choice.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's ready in an hour, which means dinner on the table before the evening gets away from you.
  • High in protein and surprisingly light, so you can eat a full bowl without feeling stuffed.
  • The spice blend is perfectly balanced—warming without being aggressive, even if you skip the cayenne.
  • Freezes beautifully, turning what feels like a weeknight meal into ready-made comfort for busy days ahead.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the turkey properly—it's the difference between chili that tastes like a warm sauce and chili with real depth.
  • If your chili tastes flat after 30 minutes, it's usually not enough salt, not more spices; add salt a half-teaspoon at a time and watch it transform.
  • For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the final 10 minutes; for something brothier, add more broth at the end.
03 -
  • Use smoked paprika, not regular—it adds a subtle depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
  • If you're cooking for people who are skeptical about turkey chili, don't announce it's turkey until after they've tasted it; let the flavor speak first.
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