This amazingly flavorful Hearty Turkey Chili is loaded with tender ground turkey and beans in a rich tomato sauce with just the right amount of warm spice. It’s healthy comfort food you can feel good about eating without skimping on taste!
If you love chili, my Bloody Mary Chili, Easy Chili Mac, and Easy Ground Beef Chili are recipes you need to try!
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5-Star Reader Comment
“This Chili is THE BEST!!!! I’m not normally a turkey fan, but I gave this recipe a try anyway and WOW am I glad! This is the only chili I’ll be making from now on, thank you so much!”
Ava
The “ber” months are here! September, October, November, and December are all favorites of mine, and not just because of the special days they bring us. These months mean it’s time to cook soups, stews, and chilies.
This year, I’m kicking off my comfort food cooking season with hearty turkey chili. This healthy chili recipe is loaded with protein and super easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Turkey Chili
- Customize It: This is also one of my “make it your own” recipes, as you can swap out the type of beans you like and make it more or less spicy.
- On The Stove Or In The Crockpot: You have the choice, and I’ve included instructions for both below! Do whatever is easiest for you and your family.
- Healthy And Hearty: Just because a recipe is healthy doesn’t mean it can’t be flavorful. This chili has all the makings of your favorite chili with just some healthier swaps.
How To Make Hearty Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- For the protein in this recipe, I use ground turkey (all white meat is fine), bacon (turkey bacon works, too), and red kidney beans.
- I saute garlic and onion with chili powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt to create a flavorful base.
- For the saucey goodness, you’ll need canned diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes and chilies, tomato paste, chicken or vegetable stock, and maple syrup.
Chili Toppings
Now, this is where things get fun! You can keep things simple and enjoy the chili just as it is, or you can go for broke and load it up with your favorite toppings. I love serving this turkey chili recipe with bowls of different extras so that everyone can add what they like.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Chopped Green Onions
- Tortilla Chips
- Greek Yogurt
- Cilantro
- Sour Cream
- Avocado
- Chopped Jalapeño Pepper
- Diced Tomatoes
- Bacon Bits
Step By Step Instructions
- First, cook the bacon over medium-high heat. When the bacon is halfway done, add the onion and cook until tender. Add the turkey and cook until browned, then add the garlic.
- Next, add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper. Reduce to medium heat and cook for one minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, and beans. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the chili for 45 minutes, allowing deep, rich flavor to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you sure can. To freeze, let the chili cool, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, let the chili thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Follow the recipe up by cooking the garlic. Once that step is complete, transfer everything to the crock pot and add the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
Leftovers last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
What To Serve With Turkey Chili
This recipe is great to serve for a weeknight meal or lazy weekends. Serve it with a side of Cheese and Green Chili Cornbread or Puffed Pastry Cheese Straws or spooned over Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Pair it with Everyday Green Salad and Homemade Greek Salad Dressing for a full dinner.
Craving More Comfort Food Recipes? Try These
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If you try this Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 4 slices bacon, cut into fourths
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 15.8 ounce cans cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Cook the bacon over medium high heat in a heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven. When the bacon is halfway done, add in the onion and cook until tender. Add in the turkey and cook until browned, then add the garlic. Stir and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt and red pepper. Reduce to medium heat and cook for one minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth and beans. Stir to combine. Add in the maple syrup, stir, and turn down the heat to low.
- Simmer the chili for 45 minutes allowing deep rich flavor to develop. Serve hot with all your favorite toppings.
Crock Pot Instructions
- Follow the recipe up through cooking the garlic. Once that step is complete, transfer everything over to the crock pot then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
Great recipe!
Thanks, Ronnie!
~Donya
This Chili is THE BEST!!!! I’m not normally a turkey fan, but I gave this recipe a try anyway and WOW am I glad! This is the only chili I’ll be making from now on, thank you so much!