Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

This Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is your cozy, go-to dish for chilly evenings and busy weeknights alike. With rich, savory spices, tender ground turkey, hearty beans, and the smokiness of fire roasted tomatoes, every spoonful is pure comfort. Best of all, it’s a nourishing, one-pot wonder that satisfies everyone at the table, whether you’re after a healthy meal or big, bold flavors. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll hold a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is in its simple, no-fuss ingredients, each one playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and color. Grab your pantry staples and let’s uncover the magic that happens when these basics come together!

• Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it soaks up all the chili flavors while keeping things light.
• Yellow onion: Sautéed to sweetness, it creates a solid flavor foundation for the whole pot.
• Chili powder: The bold heart of your chili, adding delightful depth and a little kick.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip this!
• Cumin: Earthy and warming, cumin brings the unmistakable chili aroma and flavor.
• Garlic powder: Adds a gentle punch that blends right into the background.
• Red kidney beans (undrained): Classic and sturdy, they pick up the chili spices and give a hearty bite.
• Pinto beans (undrained): Creamy texture and mild flavor make these the perfect co-star to kidney beans.
• Fire roasted tomatoes (undrained): That hint of smokiness in every spoonful takes this chili to the next level.
• Tomato paste: Boosts the chili’s richness and deepens the sauce’s color.
• Optional garnishes: Sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley create the perfect finishing touches.

How to Make Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Turkey and Aromatics

Start by grabbing a large pot or your favorite Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground turkey, chopped yellow onion, chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic powder all at once. Stir everything together as the turkey starts to brown and the onions become translucent. This step is crucial—letting those spices bloom in the pan with the turkey means every bite of chili will be loaded with flavor!

Step 2: Drain Excess Grease

Once the turkey is no longer pink and the onions have softened (about 5–7 minutes), you’ll want to drain off any excess grease. This keeps the chili hearty without feeling heavy. Just tip the pot carefully and spoon out the extra fat, or pour it off if you have a steady hand.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

With your base ready, it’s time to pour in the undrained cans of red kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and that rich tomato paste. Don’t drain the beans or tomatoes—they add essential moisture and tons of flavor, thickening the chili as it simmers.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Give it all a good stir to combine, then bring the whole pot up to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the Ground Turkey Chili Recipe simmer for 30–45 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into a bold, satisfying chili.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible and the chili is thick and hearty, it’s time to serve. Ladle generous portions into bowls and pile on your favorite garnishes. There’s nothing better than a steaming hot bowl, loaded with creamy sour cream, gooey melted cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touch on this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe comes from the garnishes! Think dollops of cool sour cream, a handful of sharp shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even green onions. These add contrast, creaminess, and a pop of color, transforming each bowl into something special.

Side Dishes

Serve your chili with a side that soaks up all that saucy goodness—crusty bread, warm cornbread, or fluffy rice are top choices. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing crunch, balancing out the chili’s hearty warmth for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, serve the chili in hollowed out bread bowls or loaded over baked potatoes. Need a party hit? Spoon the Ground Turkey Chili Recipe into small cups for a chili bar with all the toppings lined up—everyone can create their own masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this chili are pure gold! Allow the chili to cool, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors get even richer as it sits.

Freezing

This Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is perfect for batch cooking and freezing. Let the chili cool to room temperature, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags (lay them flat for easy stacking). Frozen chili keeps beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze! Thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single servings—just cover to avoid splatters and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! While the Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is designed for turkey, ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute each work well—just keep an eye on the fat content when swapping meats.

How spicy is this chili?

As written, the chili has a gentle warmth that pleases most palates. If you love heat, feel free to add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a hotter chili powder; if you prefer mild, use a mild chili powder and skip any extras.

Should I drain the beans and tomatoes?

No need! The undrained beans and tomatoes help thicken the chili and add essential flavor and liquid. Just pour them straight from the can for maximum taste and convenience.

Can I make this chili in advance?

Definitely! Chili always tastes even better the next day, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat as you’re ready to serve.

What if I want a thinner or thicker chili?

For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to reduce the liquid. For a thinner, soupier chili, simply add a splash of water, broth, or extra tomato sauce until it’s just right for you.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a one-pot, hearty dish that brings people together, and this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is hands-down one of those meals. I hope you find it as satisfying, easy, and flavor-packed as I do—give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

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