Hearty Turkey Chili Flavor (Printable)

Lean turkey mingles with beans and spices for a warm, satisfying meal full of vibrant flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Beans & Tomatoes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded cheese
21 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
22 - Lime wedges

# How-To:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
06 - Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, black and kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to integrate all ingredients.
07 - Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste the chili and adjust salt or spices as needed.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with preferred optional toppings such as fresh cilantro, green onions, cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it's been simmering all day.
  • Ground turkey keeps it lean without sacrificing that deep, satisfying flavor you crave from chili.
  • The spice blend is warm and layered, not aggressive—you can taste each element working together.
02 -
  • Don't skip blooming the spices in the hot pot—just 30 seconds of direct heat makes them taste ten times stronger and more nuanced.
  • If your chili tastes flat or one-dimensional, it usually needs salt or acid, not more spices; taste before you add anything else.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half in portions; it thaws beautifully and tastes even better after a few days in the freezer when the spices have fully melded.
  • Set up a simple topping bar with cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and Greek yogurt so people can customize their own bowls.
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