Chili With Turkey

Prep: 15 min Cook: 110 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty turkey chili packed with bold flavors, spicy chili powder, tomatoes, and beans, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • garlic to taste
  • 3 small onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 lb. ground turkey
  • oregano to taste
  • 2 cans tomatoes
  • 3 cans chili beans
  • 1 can tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Place chopped onions in a large Dutch oven with 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook until tender.
  2. Add ground turkey, pepper, and oregano; cook until turkey is done and remove excess grease.
  3. Add the two cans of chopped tomatoes, two cans of chopped green chilies, garlic, and 1/4 cup chili powder.
  4. Simmer the mixture for 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Add remaining chili powder and chili beans, then cook for 20 minutes longer.
  6. Serve the chili with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and corn chips.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the garlic with the onions until fragrant before adding the turkey. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste. You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if desired. Using canned tomatoes with green chilies can enhance the heat and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, diced lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and a side of corn chips for crunch. It pairs beautifully with Jo'S Quick Spanish Rice for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving with a side salad or over a bed of fresh greens.

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. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chili With Turkey contains roughly 2516 calories, with 44g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 236g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (87% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1051mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

2516 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 43.5g 87% DV
Total Fat 235.6g 100% DV
Carbs 65.5g 24% DV
Fiber 6.9g 25% DV
Sugar 9.5g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1051.1mg 46% DV
Potassium 922.4mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 106.4mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 178mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 19.2mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 4% DV
Calcium 115.1mg 9% DV
Iron 9.1mg 50% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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?

Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground turkey with a combination of beans, lentils, or meat alternatives like crumbled tempeh for a hearty vegetarian version.

What can I use instead of chili powder?

If you don't have chili powder, you can create your own blend using cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Adjust the amounts to suit your spice preference.

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).

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