Kid Pleasing Chili
A kid-friendly chili packed with hearty beans, tender turkey, and mild spices, perfect for a comforting family meal that appeals to young and old alike.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can beef or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans red or black beans, rinsed ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pan.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic; cook for 3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey; cook, stirring to break up meat until lightly browned.
- Add canned tomatoes with their liquid, broth, cumin, salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add rinsed beans and frozen corn.
- Simmer for 15 minutes more or until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a kid-friendly flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if desired. If you want a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This chili is great for meal prep; just adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a fun texture contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple salad. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for extra richness. Browse more American recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kid Pleasing Chili contains roughly 1677 calories, with 45g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (198% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (174% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value). 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 make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead, cool it completely, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use other beans in this recipe?
Certainly! While red or black beans are traditional, you can use kidney beans or pinto beans as well. Just ensure they are rinsed and drained. Each type will add a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
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).