Name: Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 15.5 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained; 15.5 ounce can pinto beans, undrained; 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, undrained; 6 ounce can tomato paste; Sour cream (optional); Shredded cheese (optional); Chopped parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.8 from 53 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious comfort food that’s easy to whip up any night of the week, this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is your new best friend. It combines lean ground turkey with a vibrant mix of spices, fire roasted tomatoes, and beans that deliver incredible depth and warmth in every bite. This chili isn’t just cozy; it’s a crowd-pleaser packed with protein and bold flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds) without hesitation.

Ground Turkey Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ground Turkey Chili Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that meld together into a perfect bowl of chili.

1 pound ground turkey: Provides lean protein that soaks up all the spices beautifully without being greasy.
1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base that caramelizes slightly when cooked with the turkey.
2 tbsp chili powder: Brings warmth and that signature chili flavor to the dish.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
1 tsp cumin: Introduces an earthy, smoky note essential for classic chili.
1 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky undertone that balances spices.
15.5 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained: Offers creamy texture and a hearty bite with their natural juices adding richness.
15.5 ounce can pinto beans, undrained: Adds variety and earthiness to the bean mix, boosting the chili’s body.
14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, undrained: Infuses a smoky sweetness and vibrant red color.
6 ounce can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili to a perfect consistency.
Sour cream (optional): Creamy topping that cools down the chili’s heat and adds tang.
Shredded cheese (optional): Melts on top for gooey comfort and extra richness.
Chopped parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, green note to brighten the dish.

How to Make Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Onion

Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high. Toss in the ground turkey along with the chopped yellow onion, chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir everything as it cooks, letting the onions soften and the turkey lose its pink color. This step usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes and it’s where the fragrant spices really begin to shine. Once cooked through, drain off any extra grease for a cleaner taste.

Step 2: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Now, pour in the red kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and the tomato paste straight into the pot. It’s important to keep the liquid from the canned beans and tomatoes because these juices carry flavor and help the chili develop a rich, thick texture. Stir everything together thoroughly so all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your chili mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the chili cook slowly for 30 to 45 minutes. This slow simmering gives the ingredients time to meld into a harmonious blend of spicy, smoky, and savory notes. It also thickens the chili nicely, making it satisfyingly hearty.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chili has thickened and the flavors are fully developed, ladle it into bowls and get ready to add your favorite toppings. This step is where you can really make it your own with various garnishes or sides.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Garnishes

Classic chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley transform this dish from delicious to downright irresistible. The sour cream adds a creamy tang that contrasts the chili’s warmth perfectly, while the cheese melts into rich pockets of gooey goodness. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that lifts the whole bowl.

Side Dishes

Ground Turkey Chili Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, a fresh green salad, or even tortilla chips for some crunchy contrast. Rice or baked potatoes also work great if you’re looking to bulk up your meal a bit more.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up by serving the chili in a bread bowl for an all-in-one meal experience or spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for a twist packed with sweetness and spice. You can also layer it in a casserole with cheese and tortilla chips, then bake it for a chili taco casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey Chili Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This chili freezes excellently. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving space for expansion, and it will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If the chili looks too thick after resting, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well in this chili, offering a similar mild flavor and lean protein. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly as you would with the turkey.

Is this chili spicy?

This Ground Turkey Chili Recipe has a nice, warm level of spiciness thanks to the chili powder, but it’s not overly hot. You can always adjust the chili powder amount to suit your personal heat preference or add fresh jalapeños for more kick.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the turkey and onions with spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the flavors have melded and the chili is thick.

Do I need to drain the beans and tomatoes?

Nope! Keeping the juices from the canned beans and tomatoes is key to building flavor and a rich, thick chili texture. Drain only if you prefer a less saucy chili.

What can I use instead of fire roasted tomatoes?

If you don’t have fire roasted tomatoes, regular canned diced tomatoes will work just fine. The fire roasted variety adds a subtle smoky note, but the chili will still be delicious without it.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is hands-down a staple for anyone who loves a comforting, hearty bowl of chili that’s packed with flavor but simple to make. Whether for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding friends, it hits all the right notes and is endlessly customizable. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this wholesome, satisfying chili as much as I do.