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Turkey Chili Recipe: A Healthy and Flavorful Comfort Food

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Turkey Chili! This one-pot wonder is packed with lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and bold spices, making it a healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, this dish is easy to make and endlessly customizable.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground chipotle
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes undrained
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 14 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
Optional Toppings:
  • Sour cream
  • Diced red onions
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Vegetables
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.
  4. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and fragrant.
  5. Brown the Ground Turkey
  6. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot.
  7. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  8. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, and cayenne pepper.
  9. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink.
  10. Add Liquids and Beans
  11. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
  12. Add the kidney beans and mix well.
  13. Simmer the Chili
  14. Increase the heat to bring the chili to a boil.
  15. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  16. Adjust Seasoning
  17. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
  18. Serve and Garnish
  19. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Make It Ahead: Turkey chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
  • Freeze Leftovers: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Slow Cooker Option: Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and ground chipotle for a milder or spicier dish.