Hearty Turkey Chili Flavor (Printable)

A savory chili featuring lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices for a comforting dish.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb 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 finely chopped (optional)

→ Beans & Tomatoes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - ½ tsp dried oregano
15 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
16 - 1½ tsp salt
17 - ½ tsp ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon; cook 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables; stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, rinsed black and kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to integrate all ingredients.
07 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as cilantro, green onions, cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's genuinely quick but tastes like slow-cooked soul food, making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss.
  • Ground turkey keeps things light while the beans and spices deliver all the richness you'd expect from a classic chili.
  • You can have it on the table in an hour, and it tastes even better as leftovers the next day.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the turkey properly; it takes only minutes but locks in flavor that water-simmering alone can't achieve.
  • Always drain and rinse your canned beans unless you enjoy a gritty, starchy chili—the difference is surprisingly noticeable.
  • Smoked paprika is worth seeking out; it's the ingredient that makes people pause and ask what you did differently.
03 -
  • If your chili tastes flat even after adjusting salt, add a tiny pinch of sugar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten everything up.
  • Sauté the tomato paste in the hot pan with the spices before adding liquid; this one extra minute transforms it from ingredient to flavor anchor.
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