Easy Turkey Chili
A hearty, flavorful turkey chili with beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering. Customizable with cheese or sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 (15 oz.) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can recipe-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. salsa ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- reduced-fat Cheddar cheese or fat-free sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a saucepan with nonstick spray.
- Add ground turkey, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cook until the turkey is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add drained and rinsed pinto beans, stewed tomatoes with juices, salsa, ground cumin, and chili powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- If desired, top with reduced-fat Cheddar cheese or fat-free sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or diced jalapeños for heat. You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if preferred. If you want a vegetarian option, swap the turkey for lentils or mushrooms. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance, and feel free to mix in other beans like black beans for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with reduced-fat Cheddar cheese or a dollop of fat-free sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or some Mexican Cornbread And Turkey Or Chicken Casserole to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Turkey Chili contains roughly 1368 calories, with 63g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (126% of the Daily Value), and calcium (126% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 freeze this turkey chili?
Yes, this turkey chili freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat to your chili, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also stir in some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to reach your desired spice level. Taste as you go to ensure it suits your palate.
What can I serve with turkey chili?
Turkey chili goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice. A side of Mexican recipes like guacamole or a fresh salad can also enhance the meal. For a heartier dish, try pairing it with Tex-Mex Ground Turkey Potato Boats.
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).