Quick to prepare and full of rich flavor, this stovetop turkey chili delivers hearty comfort without hours of simmering. A proven weeknight favorite!
Having cooked hundreds of weeknight meals for both my family and my readers, I know the value of a chili recipe that is straightforward and reliable. This stovetop turkey chili is built on proven techniques that ensure tender meat, rich flavor and a thick texture without hours of simmering. It is a recipe designed to save time without ever compromising on taste.
You Need This Simple Turkey Chili Recipe this Fall
You know those chilly fall nights when all you want is something cozy simmering on the stove? This turkey chili is exactly that kind of recipe It comes together quickly with simple ingredients, but it tastes like it's been cooking all day. Grab a bowl, add your favorite toppings, and you've got the ultimate fall comfort food.
Turkey Chili Recipe Easy Ingredients
- Produce: white onion, bell pepper and minced garlic
- Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean / 7% fat or 85% lean / 15% fat. Remember, fat does have a place, it helps to prevent the meat from becoming dry and adds richness, especially when the dish will be cooked for a longer period of time, or reheated several times.
- Canned Vegetables: crushed tomatoes, corn
- Canned Beans: red kidney beans, white kidney beans
- Spices: chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt.
- Broth: you can use your favorite variety including turkey, chicken, beef, vegetable or bone broth.
How to Make This Easy Turkey Chili Recipe
- Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat with a little drizzle of oil.
- Toss in the ground turkey, cook, breaking it up as you go, until it is nicely browned.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper and garlic. Let them cook together for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the spices, crushed tomatoes, beans and corn so everything is well mixed.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, giving it a stir now and then.
- Taste your chili and add a little salt, pepper or extra spice if you think it needs it. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Chili Turkey Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: swap ground turkey for ground chicken, beef or pork.
- Beans: black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans are great options.
- Tomatoes: replace crushed tomatoes with fire roasted for a smokier, richer flavor.
- Corn: you can use frozen corn, or omit all together if you prefer.
Turkey Chili Recipe Easy Tips and Tricks
- Simmer: Don't skip step 5. I know we all want dinner on the table as fast as possible but this steps allows the flavors to meld, the liquids a chance to thicken and gives you that signature thick chili texture.
- Add Sweetness: some people can find tomatoes too acidic. If you run into that issue add a pinch of sugar or splash of honey to balance the acidity.
- Toppings: don't forget the cheese, sour cream, green onions or freshly chopped white onions! Serve this chili alongside chips, or cornbread for an amazingly delicious meal!
Easy Turkey Chili Recipe Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to thin.
- Frozen: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Chili Recipe Ground Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 small white onion peeled and finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 ounce can corn, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 32 ounces broth of your choice, turkey, chicken, beef or vegetable
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the spices, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, and corn. Stir well.
- Add the broth and bring to a simmer then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper or more spices if needed.
Tips:
What kind of ground turkey should I use for chili?
- 93/7 gives you enough fat to keep the chili flavorful and moist without being greasy.
- 99% lean is ground turkey breast and can be quite dry unless you add extra oil.
- 85/15 works too, but will be richer, produce less actual meat and you may need to skim the excess fat.
Nutrition Information
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Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
