If you’re looking for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that comes together in one pot, look no further than this Ground Turkey Chili!
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and if you enjoy rich, comforting bowls, you might also love our creamy white chicken chili for a lighter twist.
Did you know chili traces its roots to the American Southwest, where cooks have simmered beans, tomatoes, and spices for generations? With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a pot that will impress your family and friends.
For another stick-to-your-ribs supper, try our hearty one pot beef stew on a cold night.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this chili truly shine!
In this post
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Chili
To create the perfect pot of chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey to form the hearty base of the chili
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder for classic, warming flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt adjusted to taste at the end
- 1 teaspoon cumin for earthy depth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for savory richness
- 15.5 ounce can red kidney beans undrained, with the liquid included
- 15.5 ounce can pinto beans undrained, with the liquid included
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes undrained, for a smoky finish
- 6 ounce can tomato paste to thicken and deepen the color
Optional Ingredients
Add these garnishes right before serving to customize each bowl:
- Sour cream for a cool, tangy contrast
- Shredded cheese for melty, savory goodness
- Chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finish
How to Make the Chili
Here’s how to build the flavor in one pot:
- Brown the Turkey: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey, and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until no pink remains.
- Soften the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent.
- Season the Chili: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the tomato paste, fire roasted tomatoes, red kidney beans, and pinto beans, including all of their liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this chili is its versatility!
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chili powder for extra heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in diced bell peppers or a cup of frozen corn during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Bean Swap: Use any combination of black beans or chickpeas in place of the kidney or pinto beans.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten the spices.
Serving Suggestions
Warm, crumbly cornbread is the classic partner, and our best cornbread you’ll ever make is perfect for soaking up every spoonful.
A cold glass of iced tea or a crisp lager balances the warm spice of the chili beautifully.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a hearty and flavorful ground turkey chili that is sure to become a family favorite.
It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or meal prepping lunches for the week.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and add-ins, because there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground beef works well in this recipe and will give the chili a richer flavor. Drain any excess fat after browning if you use an 80/20 blend.
How can I store leftover chili?
Let the chili cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make this chili less spicy for kids?
Yes, reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon and skip any added hot peppers. Serve with plenty of shredded cheese and sour cream to mellow each bowl.
Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Ground Turkey Chili features savory lean turkey simmered with onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, along with kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and tomato paste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or meal prepping lunches for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste at the end
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 15.5 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained, with the liquid included
- 15.5 ounce can pinto beans, undrained, with the liquid included
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, undrained
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- sour cream, optional garnish
- shredded cheese, optional garnish
- chopped parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey, and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until no pink remains.
- Soften the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent.
- Season the Chili: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the tomato paste, fire roasted tomatoes, red kidney beans, and pinto beans, including all of their liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
