Turkey Chili With Black Beans
A hearty, flavorful turkey chili packed with black beans, peppers, and spices, perfect for a comforting meal that suits busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, cut in 1/2-inch cubes or 1 pound uncooked ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, cut in 1/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes, coarsely chopped (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 16 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons grated reduced-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- If using ground turkey, brown it in a large skillet, draining off any fat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.
- If using cooked turkey, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in 2 tablespoons oil for 5 minutes, then add turkey.
- Add all remaining ingredients except cilantro and cheese.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add chopped cilantro, then ladle into bowls and top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, feel free to add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the turkey with crumbled tempeh or additional beans. Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can also enhance the flavor, but remember to adjust cooking times. This dish is versatile, and you can browse more Mexican recipes to find complementary sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Mexican Cheese Dip or cornbread for a complete meal. Consider topping with additional cilantro or diced green onions for freshness. A side of tortilla chips can add a crunchy texture that complements the chili nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Freezing is also an option; just ensure it's cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Chili With Black Beans contains roughly 2264 calories, with 52g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 160g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (386% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (310% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1010mg per serving (44% 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 turkey chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What can I use instead of black beans?
If you don't have black beans on hand, kidney beans or pinto beans are great alternatives that will still complement the chili's flavor profile. You can also try chickpeas for a different texture and taste.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, this turkey chili freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
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).