Turkey Chili
Ingredients
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups yellow onion – finely chopped (~2.5 medium yellow onions)
- 1 cup red bell pepper – diced (~1.5 medium red bell peppers)
- 1 jalapeño pepper – seeded and finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 15 ounces kidney beans – drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans – drained and rinsed
- cilantro leaves – for serving
- lime wedges – for serving
- sour cream – for serving
- sharp cheddar cheese – shredded (for serving)
- scallions – thinly sliced (for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat until shimmering, 1 to 2 minutes; add the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper and cook, stirring, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the ground turkey, increase heat to medium-high, and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink and most moisture has evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes; season with the kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika and cook to bloom the spices, about 1 minute.
4. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it darkens slightly and coats the meat and vegetables, 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth and bring to a lively simmer, 3 to 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Stir in the kidney beans and black beans, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook partially covered, stirring occasionally, 30 to 40 minutes, until the chili is thick and glossy and a spoon dragged across the surface leaves a brief trail.
7. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes; taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot with cilantro leaves, lime wedges, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and scallions as desired.
Turkey chili is a hearty, tomato-based stew built around ground turkey, beans, and a warm blend of spices. It delivers the comfort and depth of classic chili with a lighter, leaner protein, yielding a balanced bowl that is meaty without being heavy. Typical toppings like cheddar, sour cream, scallions, lime, and cilantro let each eater customize heat, richness, and brightness.
Rooted in American chili traditions, turkey chili grew popular as a lean alternative to beef-centric versions in the late 20th century. It keeps core techniques—browning meat, blooming spices, and a slow simmer—while embracing beans as a staple component in many regions. Today it’s a weeknight staple and game-day favorite across the United States, adaptable in heat level and garnishes while remaining recognizably chili.