Are you looking for a quick and delicious turkey chili recipe? This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a hearty dinner for the family. Packed with lean ground turkey, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients, this chili is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably dark meat)
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans (about 3 cups) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Optional: 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (for desired consistency)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for deeper flavor)
- Garnishes: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapenos
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the turkey is browned and no longer pink.
3. Spice It Up
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix over the turkey and stir well to evenly coat.
4. Add the Veggies and Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped bell pepper and cook until it becomes tender-crisp. Add the diced tomatoes and mix well. If you prefer a slightly sweeter chili, stir in the brown sugar at this point.
5. Simmer the Chili
For a heartier consistency, add up to 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Add Beans and Final Touches
Stir in the red kidney beans and let the chili cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. If you like your chili thicker, you can dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the chili, cooking for a minute or two until thickened.
7. Serve and Garnish
Once the chili has reached your desired thickness and flavor, it’s time to serve. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes: diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos.
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Tips for the Best Turkey Chili Recipe
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the heat level by adding more cayenne pepper or including a minced jalapeno in the chili.
- Flavor Depth: Adding a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder gives the chili a rich, deep flavor without making it sweet.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This chili stores well in the fridge for up to four days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
This turkey chili recipe is versatile and easily adjustable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, hearty or soupy, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the comfort of a warm bowl of chili and feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!