Turkey Chili with Beans (Printable)
Lean turkey, kidney beans, and corn join in a rich, spiced tomato blend perfect for warming meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound 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 minced (optional)
→ Beans & Corn
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
→ Tomatoes & Liquids
08 - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded cheese
20 - Sour cream
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño if using; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink and browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.
04 - Incorporate chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth; bring mixture to a simmer.
06 - Add kidney beans and corn to the pot; stir to combine evenly.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, topped with desired garnishes.
# Tips from dashanddishes:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.
- The turkey keeps it lean without sacrificing any of that deep, hearty flavor.
- Leftovers get even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
02 -
- Don't skip toasting the spices with the turkey. It transforms the flavor from flat to deeply savory.
- If your chili looks too thin, simmer it uncovered for the last 10 minutes. It'll thicken up beautifully.
03 -
- Let the onions and peppers cook until they're truly soft. Rushing this step leaves them crunchy and raw tasting.
- Taste the chili before serving and don't be afraid to add an extra pinch of salt or a dash of cumin. Small adjustments make a big difference.