Turkey Black Bean Chili
A hearty, spicy turkey black bean chili packed with bold flavors, perfect for cozy dinners, and easily customized with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and scallions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed through a press ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes with added puree ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- optional accompaniments: sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped scallions and guacamole ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground turkey and chopped onion in vegetable oil over medium-high heat, stirring to break up lumps, until turkey is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain off any excess fat.
- Add crushed garlic, chili powder, salt, and diced green chilies to the pot, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes with puree and rinsed black beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and guacamole.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to the chili. If you prefer a thicker consistency, allow it to simmer longer. Ground chicken can substitute for turkey, and canned diced tomatoes can be used instead of crushed tomatoes if that's what you have. This chili is also great for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and guacamole for added richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips and makes a fantastic filling for tacos, making it a versatile dish for any gathering. For those looking for lighter options, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Black Bean Chili contains roughly 2628 calories, with 47g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 190g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (229% of the Daily Value), protein (93% of the Daily Value), and iron (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. 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 in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and then refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving. It's perfect for meal prep or for serving at gatherings.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions. You can also stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. If you love spicy dishes, consider pairing it with a side of *Crock-Pot Mexican Cheese Dip*.
What can I serve with Turkey Black Bean Chili?
This chili is delicious on its own but can be complemented by sides like cornbread, rice, or a fresh garden salad. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for dipping or use it as a filling for tacos, inspired by *Becky'S Turkey Tacos*.
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).