Black Bean Turkey Chili
A hearty and flavorful black bean turkey chili packed with smoky spices, tender turkey, and beans, perfect for comforting gatherings and meal prep enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian turkey sausage ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 6 cloves garlic
- 8 oz. diced green chiles ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 12 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 28 oz. can Italian plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. can Italian plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. beer ⓘ
- 32 oz. can black beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over low heat.
- Saute the chopped onions and red bell pepper for about 10 minutes or until tender but not browned.
- Add the Italian turkey sausage and ground turkey; cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, diced green chiles, pepper, salt, chili powder, oregano, basil, and tomato paste; stir well.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes, beer, and rinsed black beans.
- Simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Stir in cilantro leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or increasing the chili powder. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey sausage and ground turkey with plant-based alternatives. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole for a smoother texture. Don't forget to rinse the black beans to reduce sodium!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Black Bean Turkey Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Honey Graham Crackers for a sweet contrast. Consider a side of cornbread or a simple salad to round out the meal. For an extra kick, serve with your favorite hot sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you want to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean Turkey Chili contains roughly 1103 calories, with 41g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (710% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1644mg per serving (71% 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 make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve. Just keep in mind that it may thicken, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
What can I use instead of beer in the recipe?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor. Alternatively, a splash of apple cider vinegar can add a nice tang. Adjust the liquid quantity slightly to maintain the desired consistency.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate!
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).