Turkey Chili With Rice
A hearty turkey chili with rice, packed with savory flavors from tomatoes, beans, and chili powder, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, simmer ground turkey, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper until tender.
- Drain off the fat from the skillet.
- Prepare quick cooking rice according to package directions and set aside.
- Chop the canned whole tomatoes and add them to the meat along with their liquid.
- Add chili powder and tomato sauce; simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Drain the liquid from the canned red kidney beans.
- Add the drained kidney beans and cooked rice to the chili mixture.
- Simmer until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, accompanied by French bread and a tossed salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if preferred. If you don't have quick cooking rice, regular rice can work, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika. This dish can be made ahead of time and even tastes better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey chili hot, accompanied by crusty French bread for dipping. A tossed salad makes a refreshing side that balances the richness of the chili. You can also top the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for added richness. This recipe pairs beautifully with Sausage Cabbage Bake for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions, and it will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Chili With Rice contains roughly 378 calories, with 28g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2503mg per serving (109% 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 turkey chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What can I serve with turkey chili?
For a complete meal, serve the chili with French bread or cornbread. A fresh tossed salad adds a nice crunch and balances the dish. You can also pair it with rice or even tortilla chips for a fun side.
How can I adjust the spice level of this chili?
To adjust the spice level, simply add more or less chili powder according to your taste. For added heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a touch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, use less chili powder or omit it altogether.
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).