easy Turkey Chili Recipe

Turkey Chili is delicious and nutritious. It can be prepared on the stove or using a slow cooker or even in an Instant Pot the recipe will soon become a regular.

Why Make This Recipe

Rich in Flavor

This turkey chili features a blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano paired with fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a deeply flavorful base.

Nutritious and Filling

this chili is a protein-packed, high-fiber meal that’s satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or one 14.5 oz can)

Tomatoes and Beans:

  • 28 oz can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes (or fire-roasted diced tomatoes)
  • 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced onions
  • Tortilla chips

Stovetop Instructions

  1. Cook the Base
    • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
    • Add chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
    • Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Season and Combine
    • Stir in the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well.
    • Add chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Beans
    • Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes and beans.
  4. Simmer
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Uncover the pot during the last 30 minutes to allow the chili to thicken.
  5. Serve
    • Ladle into bowls and garnish with desired toppings.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base
    • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes.
    • Add ground turkey and cook until browned about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, spices, and tomato paste. Mix well.
  2. Transfer to Slow Cooker
    • Transfer the turkey mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans.
  3. Cook
    • Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours.
  4. Serve
    • Stir well before serving and garnish as desired.

Instant Pot Instructions

  1. Sauté
    • Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil, then add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Add Seasoning and Broth
    • Turn off the sauté mode. Stir in the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Add the chicken broth and mix well, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.
  3. Layer Ingredients
    • Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and beans on top of the turkey mixture. Do not stir.
  4. Pressure Cook
    • Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  5. Thicken if Needed
    • If the chili is too thin, use the sauté function to simmer until thickened.
  6. Serve
    • Stir and serve with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Turkey Chili

  • Toppings: Add shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, or diced onions.
  • Sides: Pair with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Tips to Make the Best Turkey Chili

  1. Layer Flavors: Browning the turkey and onions adds depth to the chili’s flavor.
  2. Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce the chili powder for a milder chili or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  3. Consistency Control: If the chili is too thick, stir in a little chicken broth or water to adjust.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • No-Bean Chili: Omit the beans and add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for a hearty alternative.
  • Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra heat and smokiness.

1. Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes! Turkey chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.

3. How can I thicken the chili without simmering?

Blend a small portion of the beans, or add the cornmeal in a tablespoon to make the chili thicker quickly.

Conclusion

This dish is sure to be a huge hit. Make it your own with your favorite toppings and relish this bowl of comfort food that’s just as delicious as it is healthy!

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