Hearty Turkey Chili Flavor (Printable)

A hearty chili featuring lean turkey, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices for a flavorful meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb 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 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
16 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink and fully browned.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor depth.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
07 - Bring the contents to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and partially cover. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed to your preference.
09 - Serve the chili hot, garnished with optional toppings such as cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and rich, but you won't feel sluggish an hour later.
  • Ground turkey cooks faster than beef, so dinner is genuinely ready in under an hour.
  • The spice blend builds flavor so naturally that you barely miss the depth beef would bring.
02 -
  • Don't skip the step of browning the turkey properly—it feels tempting to rush, but those browned bits create the foundation of actual flavor, not just texture.
  • If your chili tastes watery after 30 minutes, simmer uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes; the liquid will reduce and everything will taste more concentrated and intentional.
03 -
  • Save time by buying pre-minced garlic in a jar if that's what gets you to cook this on a weeknight instead of ordering takeout—shortcuts are valid when they increase how often you actually make something.
  • If the chili tastes slightly flat after 30 minutes, a tablespoon of lime juice or a pinch more salt can wake everything up without changing the fundamental flavor profile.
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