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Easy Maple Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

This Easy Maple Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring lean ground turkey simmered with fire-roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, and a blend of warm spices. Enhanced with a hint of pure maple syrup for subtle sweetness, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Serve with avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips for a satisfying finish.

Ingredients

Chili Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Liquids and Beans

  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14–15 oz)
  • 1 can pinto beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • ½–¾ cup vegetable stock
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Optional Toppings

  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
  2. Cook Turkey and Spices: Add the lean ground turkey to the pot along with salt and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until browned. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
  3. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Liquids: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed pinto beans, ½ cup of vegetable stock, and pure maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more vegetable stock as needed to maintain desired consistency. Ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning or sweetness with additional maple syrup if desired. Serve hot, topped with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or tortilla chips as preferred.

Notes

  • Begin with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a milder sweetness, then add more according to your taste preference.
  • Use lean ground turkey to keep the chili light and healthy.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of vegetable stock.
  • Simmering longer can deepen the flavors, so feel free to extend cooking time.
  • Ensure turkey is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.