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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Soup and Stew

    Thick & Hearty Turkey Chili

    Published: Jan 7, 2021 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 1 Comment

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    turkey chili in a bowl topped with green onions and sour cream with Pinterest text

    This is a Turkey Chili recipe that is thick and hearty, not to mention FULL of flavor! Lean ground turkey is mixed with chili spices and simmered in a seasoned tomato sauce full of kidney beans, northern beans, onions, and garlic.

    Ground turkey chili in a bowl with sour cream and green onions

    Serve this up with some Sweet Cornbread Muffins or Buttermilk Cornbread for an amazing dinner! If you are in the Midwest you might prefer cinnamon rolls with your chili.

    This is a great recipe for chili with turkey, but if you want something different check out the Classic Beef Chili or White Chicken Chili. If you cook with an Instant Pot then you will love this Instant Pot Chili Recipe, Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili, or Buffalo Chicken Chili.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Ingredients & Supplies
    2 How to Make Turkey Chili
    3 Chili Toppings
    4 Troubleshooting your Chili
    5 Related Recipes
    6 Did you make this recipe?!
    7 Thick & Hearty Turkey Chili

    Ingredients & Supplies

    Here are the ingredients that you need to make this Turkey Chili recipe:

    • Large pot or Dutch oven
    • 93% lean ground turkey
    • olive oil
    • onion
    • garlic
    • celery
    • canned green chilies
    • canned crushed tomatoes
    • chili beans in chili sauce
    • northern beans
    • sugar
    • bay leaf
    • chili powder, oregano, cumin, all spice, onion powder, red pepper flakes
    • salt and pepper
    all the ingredients for turkey chili on a table

    Ground Turkey

    There are a few options when buying ground turkey, just like ground beef. Some of the options are – 99% lean, 93% lean, or 85% lean. Stick with the 93% lean ground turkey!!! It has enough fat to be flavorful and juicy but not too much fat to be greasy.

    Beans?

    Yep, this recipe is a Turkey Chili with Beans. You can absolutely make it without beans but I have not tested that. I am team bean. You could also follow along with this Turkey Chili without Beans recipe from The Whole Cook.

    How to Make Turkey Chili

    Start by sautéing your onions, celery and garlic for about 5 minutes to start softening. (if you like a lot of spice add a sliced jalapeno here!)

    Add the ground turkey and crumble it while it cooks through. You shouldn’t need to drain the grease.

    Add all the spices and seasonings and stir to coat the turkey/onion mixture.

    all the steps to make turkey chili

    Now pour in the green chilies, crushed tomatoes, both beans (drain the northern beans, do not drain the chili beans), and the water/broth. Give it a good stir and then turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

    (tip make sure your celery gets cooked through)

    Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

    Chili Toppings

    Load your Turkey Chili up with all your favorite chili toppings:

    1. green onions
    2. jalapenos
    3. avocado
    4. Fritos
    5. sour cream/ plain Greek yogurt
    6. cheese
    two bowls of chili from above with chili toppings around

    Troubleshooting your Chili

    If there is one thing I know it is that people get very particular about their chili! IMO this recipe is perfect. However, I want to make sure this recipe turns out exactly how YOU like it:

    • Too thin? Simmer for another 10 minutes, uncovered.
    • Too thick? Add ½ cup of chicken broth or water at a time, until it is your desired consistency.
    • Too sweet? Add 1 tbsp. white vinegar.
    • Too spicy? Add 2 tsp. sugar, ½ cup broth or water, and a can of diced tomatoes. Then taste for additional seasonings.
    • Too tangy? Add 2 tsp. sugar.
    • More spice/heat? Add additional red pepper flakes and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. You can also add a chopped jalapeno with the onions/celery/garlic.
    • For a smokier chili add ¼-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. To add a smoky spice add 1 chopped chili pepper in adobo sauce (2-3 for more spice).

    Related Recipes

    • The BEST Classic Chili
    • 30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili
    • Damn Good Instant Pot Chili
    • Quinoa Sweet Potato Chili (Instant Pot)

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    a bowls of chili with turkey topped with sour cream, fritos and green onions

    Thick & Hearty Turkey Chili

    A truly flavorful turkey chili recipe that is full of lean ground turkey, beans, onions, and garlic in a chili spiced tomato sauce.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved to Grow
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 5 people
    Calories: 405kcal
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Equipment

    • large pot or Dutch oven

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb ground turkey 93/7
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 3 large garlic cloves minced
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 1 cup celery stalks chopped thin (about 2-3 celery ribs)
    • 4 oz can chopped green chilies
    • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
    • ½ cup water or chicken broth
    • 15 oz can chili beans in sauce (do not drain)
    • 15 oz can northern beans drained
    • 1½ tablespoon sugar
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 2 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • pinch of ground allspice
    • pinch red pepper flakes
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • In a large pot over medium heat sauté the garlic, celery, and onions in the olive oil for 5 minutes, stirring often.
      (if you like a lot of spice add a chopped jalapeno too)
    • Add the ground turkey and cook, crumbling, for about 6 minutes until cooked thru.
      You shouldn't need to drain any grease.
    • Turn the heat to medium low and add all the spices and seasonings (sugar, bay leaf, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, onion powder, all spice, red pepper flakes). Stir to coat the turkey mixture.
    • Add the green chilies, crushed tomatoes, water/broth, and both beans. Stir to combine.
    • Simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Remove the bay leaf before serving.

    Make Ahead

    • This recipe is just like Classic Chili, it gets even better with time! It can be made 1-3 days ahead and reheated on the stove top. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen it up.

    Serving

    • Serve this turkey chili with any of your favorite toppings: Fritos, sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, shredded cheese, tabasco, fresh avocado, saltine crackers, buttermilk cornbread or cornbread muffins.

    Notes:

    Troubleshooting: Are you looking for your chili to be spicier or smokier? Did your chili turn out too thin or thick for your liking? Pop back up to this troubleshooting your turkey chili section for all the answers!
    Storing: Leftover Turkey Chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
    Freezing: You can freeze this Turkey Chili recipe!! Make it completely and then cool. Place in a freezer safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
    To thaw pop in the fridge for 2 days. Or thaw on the defrost function on your microwave.
    Other Chili Recipes : Looking for a beef chili recipe? Check out this recipe for Classic Chili.
    If you have an Instant Pot and want to make quick work of this Chili, check out this Instant Pot Chili Recipe.
    Looking for chicken chili? Check out this recipe for White Chicken Chili.
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1573mg | Potassium: 1594mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1414IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 7mg

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

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    1. John

      January 10, 2021 at 8:37 am

      5 stars
      Really great chili. A bit of spice and excellent flavor! Will make this again!

      Reply

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