Bill'S Turkey Chili With Beans
A hearty, flavorful turkey chili with beans and spices, perfect for comforting meals. Its smoky, spicy profile appeals to chili lovers and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 45 oz. canned pinto beans ⓘ
- 45 oz. canned red kidney beans ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 54 oz. canned tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. coarse ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 15 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion with ground turkey until cooked through.
- Add chopped celery, canned tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and drained beans to the pot.
- Stir in chili powder, salt, oregano, ground ginger, garlic powder, pepper, and cumin.
- Simmer the chili for about 1 hour or until somewhat thickened.
- To thicken, make a paste with 3 tablespoons of flour and add it slowly to the chili.
- For a spicier version, add a 4-ounce can of diced Ortega green chilies during simmering.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of ground turkey and ground beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the turkey with more beans or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the chili powder to your taste, and try adding some fresh jalapeños for heat. A splash of lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors. This chili can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Puffed Turkey Sandwiches for a comforting lunch. Consider serving a light salad on the side to balance out the richness of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little water or broth if it has thickened too much. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until piping hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S Turkey Chili With Beans contains roughly 1801 calories, with 73g protein, 359g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (466% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2375mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match beans based on your preference. Black beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas can work well. Just ensure to drain and rinse them properly before adding to the chili for the best texture.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a 4-ounce can of diced Ortega green chilies during the simmering process. Additionally, consider using spicier chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for an extra kick.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this turkey chili is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and flavors improve after a day or two in the fridge. You can easily portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, making it a convenient choice for busy schedules.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).