Turkey Chili

Savory Turkey Chili is made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a generous blend of spices. Make this recipe on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for an easy and delicious dinner.

This easy weeknight meal can be ready in as little as two hours (stove top version) or slowly simmered all day in your slow cooker. Either way, you'll end up with a cozy and healthy pot of chili!

This recipe yields a generous batch, making it ideal for meal prep. You'll have enough for 8-10 servings. We love to make our own Chili Seasoning because it's easy and fresh!

Ingredients needed for Chili with Turkey

• Ground Turkey - our favorite lean protein, but you can also use ground chicken or ground beef (we use 85% lean)
• Yellow Onion - or use white onion if you prefer
• Garlic - because it makes everything better!
• Olive Oil - for sauteeing the onions, garlic, and turkey
• Chopped Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce - we use both to give the chili some thickness and body
• Tomato Paste - this gives the tomato flavor a boost
• Chicken Broth - turkey is lean, so the broth provides the chili with a little bit of simmering liquid
• Kidney Beans and Chili Beans - both come in 15-ounce cans and are full of flavor and fiber
• Chili Seasoning Mix - we make our own simple blend, but you can also use a store-bought packet
• Salt and Pepper

How to make the best Turkey Chili

• Drain and rinse the kidney beans and set aside
• Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it's shimmering.
• Add the diced onions and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute for an additional 30 seconds, until it's starting to smell fragrant, stirring continuously.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the ground turkey, salt, and pepper, and cook until the turkey is no longer pink. If needed, drain the fat. (If you use ground beef, you will definitely need to drain)
• Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
• Add both types of beans, chicken broth, and the Chili Seasoning Mix. Stir well and cook on medium for about 5 minutes.

Stove Top Method:

• Cover partially and simmer on the stove top for 2 to 3 hours, depending on the desired consistency. Stir occasionally. Cook longer for a thicker chili.
• Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Slow Cooker Method:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a large slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours and on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally.
• Check seasonings and add extra salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions:

Chili is so popular because there are so many toppings that pair well with it! Here are some of our favorites:

• Green Onions, sliced into rounds, or sliced red onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese
• Slice fresh (or canned) jalapenos
• Cilantro sprigs
• Sour Cream
• A side of tortilla chips
• Avocado slices

Storing Leftover Turkey Chili

This is a great meal prep recipe. It's so nice to have a rich and delicious bowl of chili at a moment's notice. It's perfect for cold winter last-minute dinners!

• Freezer: Let chili cool and then place in airtight bags, containers, or large glass jars. Freeze for up to 6 months. If possible, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on medium-low.
• Refrigerator: Cool chili completely and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on medium-low heat.

Make your own Chili Seasoning Mix

It couldn't be simpler or fresher (not to mention economical)

More Soups and Stews to try:

• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• White Bean Soup
• Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Soup
• Hearty Beef Stew

Did you make this easy Turkey Chili Recipe? We would love to hear from you in our comments below. Please feel free to comment on this or any other recipe on our blog. Your feedback helps us to develop more recipes for you to enjoy!