This thick, robust, hearty and flavorful Turkey Chili brings ground turkey, kidney beans, onions and garlic together with the perfect blend of seasonings. This is one of our favorite chili recipes and one the whole family enjoys. I love to serve this with Cornbread or Beer Bread with Cheddar for a complete meal.
Fall is my favorite time of the year and with it comes all kind of delicious comforts foods like stews, soups and chilis. What warms the soul better than a big pot of slow cooked meat, vegetables and beans. Dinner just doesn’t get much better than that. Do you have some favorite fall comfort food recipes? Have you tried any of my other soup or chili recipes? White Chicken Chili, Tortellini Soup, Loaded Potato Soup and this recipe are just a few of our favorites.
Turkey Chili Ingredients
- ground turkey
- onion
- garlic
- chili powder
- cumin
- dried oregano
- paprika
- onion powder
- ground black pepper
- ground cayenne pepper
- crushed tomatoes
- chicken broth
- kidney beans
- brown sugar
How to make Ground Turkey Chili
Start by browning the ground turkey in a Dutch Oven or heavy stockpot. When the turkey is about halfway browned add the onion and cook until the onion is soft. Next drain any excess fat from the pan. Then add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, onion powder, ground black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper. Then cook for about 1 minute stirring constantly. Next add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans and brown sugar. Simmer for about 35-45 minutes or until all the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened. Top with your choice of toppings.
Can you freeze this chili?
Yes you most certainly can. First let it cool for about 1 hour then simply freeze in a covered airtight container or in sturdy freezer bags for up to 4 months. To reheat thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a saucepan on the stove top or at a reduced power in the microwave. I always use a reduced power so the beans do not explode.
Chili Toppings
- shredded cheddar cheese
- minced or sliced jalapenos
- chopped tomatoes
- bacon bits
- shredded monterey jack cheese
- sour cream
- fried tortilla strips
- chopped or sliced avocado
- salsa
How to kick the heat up in your chili
My daughter has a love for spicy food. She loves this chili but in her opinion it really is a mild chili. If you like your chili in the moderately spicy to hot range add some crushed red pepper, more cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, sriracha or sambal oelek. Just add a little as you go and be sure to taste it so you don’t go over your heat threshold.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- I prefer using ground turkey which has both dark and white meat ground in it. The ground turkey breast it too lean and lacks flavor.
- Ground beef and ground pork can be substituted for the ground turkey.
- Instead of trying to tilt the large pot over and drain the fat out simply lean it a little bit until the fat drains to one side and use a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. It is so much easier and you won’t lose any of the meat while trying to get rid of the fat.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love spicy food be sure to read the section above on kicking up the heat.
- To make it in a slow cooker simply follow the recipe up to and including the step where you add the garlic and other spices. Once that step is complete transfer everything over to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the beans) and cook on low for about 5 hours then add the beans and cook for 1 hour.
Turkey Chili
This Family Friendly Ground Turkey Chili is perfectly seasoned and slow simmered for a thick robust finish. Make a big hot pot today and get ready to hear the accolades.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: main meal chili
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces) dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a Dutch Oven or heavy stock pot over medium heat. When the ground turkey is about halfway browned add the onion and continue cooking until soft; about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium low. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, parika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute stirring constantly.
- Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans and brown sugar. Simmer for 35-45 minutes.
Notes
- I prefer using ground turkey which has both dark and white meat ground in it. The ground turkey breast it too lean and lacks flavor.
- Ground beef and ground pork can be substituted for the ground turkey.
- Instead of trying to tilt the large pot over and drain the fat out simply lean it a little bit until the fat drains to one side and use a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. It is so much easier and you won’t lose any of the meat while trying to get rid of the fat.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love spicy food be sure to read the section above on kicking up the heat.
- To make it in a slow cooker simply follow the recipe up to and including the step where you add the garlic and other spices. Once that step is complete transfer everything over to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the beans) and cook on low for about 5 hours then add the beans and cook for 1 hour.
Keywords: how to make turkey chili, best turkey chili, ground turkey chili
Kerri
Chili Season is the best season of all the seasons!! This will be on repeat for the next few months!
Amanda
I need to try this immediately. Love the jalapenos!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
I know for sure this Turkey Chili would be a huge hit in my house!
★★★★★
Toni Dash
Such a delicious and comforting meal! Everyone at my house loved it!
★★★★★
Alisa Infanti
I have never tried adding bacon bits before to chili as a topping… Delish!
★★★★★
Sonal
Now that’s the chili I would want. The spices you have used in the recipe probably made it bursting with flavors… love it.
★★★★★
Lisa Huff
So it’s 9am here and I’m now craving chili. haha!! I could use a big bowl for breakfast. Totally normal, right?! I bet this makes your home smell amazing!
★★★★★
Gail Montero
What a delicious dinner option for fall! Adding this chili to our must-try list.
★★★★★
Angela
There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of chili! This one is perfect with ground turkey and kidney beans. A family favorite for sure. YUM!
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
Such an incredibly delicious meal! Perfect for fall!
★★★★★
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
I can’t wait to try this turkey chili! It looks and sounds incredibly delicious!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
Gave this a try for dinner last night and it didn’t disappoint! Easily, a new family favorite recipe!
★★★★★
Marcy
I made this chili recipe in my crockpot. Looked delicious but the taste of the chili was slightly sweet and not spicy. Should I have added the seasoning to the base of the chili instead of the meat ?
Beth Pierce
No you did it fine. Honestly you can do it either way. This is a very mild chili. There are notes in the post about that and how to kick it up a few notches.
Jill
I’m always up for trying a new chili recipe. Love that yours includes brown sugar. I like my chili a little bit sweet.
★★★★★
Suzy
We love using turkey for chili! Makes it a little lighter and taste just a great!
★★★★★
Lily {Gastro Senses}
So intrigued by this! What a wonderful mix of textures and flavors!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lily!
Andrea Metlika
This is perfect for us as we are using more ground turkey. It looks so warm, comforting and delicious!
★★★★★
Jessica Formicola
Perfect timing! I have a package of ground turkey that needs to be used up, and this chili looks perfect!
★★★★★
Jennifer
Absolutely delicious!
★★★★★
Adrianne
Yes please! I love chili and this turkey option is a great idea. I will tick up the heat as I too love a little heat in dish like this. I love the variety of spices you have used also.
★★★★★
Heather Johnson
i love chili and made this tonight – so delicious!
★★★★★
Megan
This chili was incredible! Thank you for this recipe. It will be on our table often.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! So glad that you liked it Megan!
Dannii
Now this looks like a big bowl of comfort. So hearty and delicious.
★★★★★
Jacqueline Debono
This was my first time making chili with turkey instead of ground beef. Wow so very good! Will definitely be on repeat while the weather is still so cold and comfort food is a must!
★★★★★
Nart at Cooking with Nart
This chili is delicious. Turkey is hard to find where I live so I replaced it with chicken and it was still great. Just like your daughter, I like spicy food too so I added stuff to kick the heat up.
★★★★★
Emily
This chili turned out amazing! I love the combo of ground turkey and kidney beans.
★★★★★
Sarah
I love chili, it’s the prefect winter meal. I can’t get enough of it and this recipe didn’t disappoint.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sarah! Glad that you liked it!!
Elizabeth
I am loving all the flavours in this recipe! I too prefer darker poultry in my recipes for better flavour too.
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
I’m trying to use more turkey (instead of beef) at the moment for health reasons so this looks like a perfect recipe to try! We love chili in this house.
★★★★★
Lily
This chili was delicious, so hearty! This made for the best family dinner, finger-lickin amazing!!
★★★★★
Melissa
Great recipe- my family loves chili, and I made it with your recipe last week and it was a hit!
★★★★★
Stephanie
Really great recipe! I love the flavor.
★★★★★
Michelle
Loved this turkey chili — so flavourful and easy to make! Delicious!
★★★★★
Laura
This chili is perfect for this type of weather. I look forward to making ti this evening
★★★★★
Biana
Chili is delicious, and I like how you are using ground turkey to make it lighter! Looks so delicious.
★★★★★
Nicole Durham
This chili was so good and hearty that we all enjoyed a bowl or two. It was the perfect dinner for a cold stormy day.
★★★★★
Dannii
What a hearty and comforting chilli. Perfect for winter.
★★★★★
Charla
Lamb and turkey chilli are an absolute favourite of mine, thank you for sharing your yummy recipe with us.
★★★★★
Andrea
This chili is bursting with flavor! Love that it’s healthier by using turkey.
★★★★★
Katherine
There are so many great flavours in this turkey chilli! Awesome that it’s freezer-friendly too.
★★★★★
Allyssa
Thanks a lot for this turkey chili recipe! It is very delicious and easy to make! Thanks a lot for sharing!
★★★★★