This thick, robust, hearty turkey chili recipe uses ground turkey, kidney beans, onions, garlic, and the perfect blend of seasonings. It is one of our favorite chili recipes; the whole family enjoys it.
I love to serve this with cornbread, cheddar beer bread, and cheddar bay biscuits for a complete meal. What warms the soul better than a big pot of slow-cooked meat, vegetables, and beans?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Ground turkey: I prefer using ground turkey with dark and white meat. Ground turkey breast is too lean and lacks flavor. You can substitute ground beef or ground pork. If using ground beef, switch to beef broth.
- Seasonings: chili powder, cumin, dried oregano (fresh is too bitter), smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a little bit of ground cayenne.
- Crushed tomatoes: if you prefer chunkier tomatoes, use a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes and a 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
- Chicken broth: preferably low-sodium
- Dark red kidney beans: You can substitute pinto beans or black beans
How to make Ground Turkey Chili
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat in a Dutch Oven or heavy stockpot on the stovetop. When the turkey is about halfway brown, add the onion and cook until the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, onion powder, ground black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, pinto beans, and brown sugar. Simmer for about 35-45 minutes or until all the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened. Spoon into bowls and top with your choice of toppings.
Preparation Tips For Success
- Instead of tilting the large pot over to drain the fat, lean it until the fat drains to one side. Then, use a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. It is so much easier, and you won’t lose any meat while trying to eliminate the fat.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love spicy food, add a little more cayenne pepper.
- Try bell peppers, sweet potatoes, celery, or carrots if you want more veggies.
- Customize with your favorite toppings, such as pickled jalapenos, crispy bacon, sour cream, green onions, avocado, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips.
To Make It In a Crock Pot
To make it in a slow cooker, 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.
More Chili Recipes
Easy Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey not turkey breast
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes do not drain
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
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. Drain any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, pinto beans, and brown sugar.
- Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze, thoroughly cool the chili. Then, spoon it into an airtight container and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power. I always use reduced power so the beans do not explode.
Nutrition
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melissa
I have made turkey chili before but this recipe was the best. So flavorful and easy to make. I served it with your corn muffins and it was a huge hit.
Shannah
Love the idea to lighten up a traditional chili by using turkey. I definitely didn’t miss the beef or the extra fat and calories!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Shannah!!
Cara
This is a great recipe for a leaner meat like ground turkey. Still flavorful and not dry or tough!
Mel
Your turkey chilli recipe was a lovely leaner alternative to one with beef. Thanks for the great recipe. My family truly enjoyed it and I felt good about serving it to them!
Caroline
This turkey chili recipe was absolutely delicious and so easy to make. I loved how hearty and flavorful it was. I served it with rice instead of corn bread for a perfect cozy dinner on a chilly evening!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Caroline! So happy that you liked it.
Olivia
This recipe is a great option for colder days. Using turkey adds a nice, lighter twist to chili and one I can feel good about feeding my family.
Maryanne
I haven’t made chili in ages, and this was perfect for these darn cold nights. Serve it with beer bread or corn muffins for an over the top meal
Nina
Yum. This turkey chili was amazing and perfect for a family dinner! I love that it was full of flavour, hearty ingredients and a healthier alternative to traditional chili with ground beef. Thank you for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Nina!
Melanie williams
There is such a cold snap in the air at the moment so I love these kind of comfort dishes we will have to try this out at the weekend xx
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melanie! Enjoy!
Kat
This turkey chili recipe was a great option for a hearty and healthier meal. We loved it. I’m trying to replace a lot of our ground beef recipes with ground turkey and it seems to be going well.