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Hearty Turkey Chili with Beans

hearty turkey chili with beans - featured image

A cozy, easy one-pot turkey chili packed with smoky spices, beans, and lean protein, perfect for busy weeknights or comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (240 ml) or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm for 1-2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
  3. Push veggies to the side, add ground turkey, and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and browned in spots.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast spices and release aroma.
  5. Stir in canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste, scraping up any browned bits from the pot bottom.
  6. Add chicken broth along with drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder. Add cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
  9. Ladle chili into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado slices.

Notes

For thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Mash some beans against the pot side for a smoother texture. Use fresh garlic and onions for best flavor. Toast spices lightly before adding liquids to enhance aroma. Add broth gradually to avoid watery chili.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, chili with beans, one-pot recipe, easy chili, healthy chili, weeknight dinner, comfort food, lean protein