Description
Homemade easy turkey chili recipe brings hearty comfort to weeknight dinners. Spicy, protein-packed ingredients combine for a quick meal that satisfies hungry families and delivers bold southwestern flavors you will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Green onions
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, then introduce ground turkey. Crumble and brown the meat while seasoning with salt and pepper until fully cooked and no pink remains.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and paprika over the meat mixture, stirring continuously to distribute spices evenly and activate their robust flavors for about 60 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, and kidney beans. Gently mix ingredients, ensuring thorough incorporation and allowing the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure consistent temperature throughout.
- Once chili reaches desired thickness and flavors have melded, remove from heat. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like tangy sour cream, sharp shredded cheese, or creamy diced avocado.
Notes
- Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that keeps the chili light and nutritious.
- Toasting spices briefly enhances their flavor profile, releasing deeper, more complex aromatics into the dish.
- Adjust bean quantities based on personal preference or dietary needs, easily making this recipe vegetarian-friendly by substituting turkey with plant-based protein.
- Let the chili simmer longer for more intense flavor development, allowing spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg