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Hearty Ground Turkey Chili

hearty ground turkey chili - featured image

A quick and easy 5-ingredient spiced ground turkey chili that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or plain)
  • 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed (can substitute kidney beans)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  3. Add diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden, stirring often.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Add ground turkey, crumble and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink, stirring frequently. If turkey looks dry, add a tablespoon of water or broth.
  6. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat meat and onions evenly.
  7. Add canned diced tomatoes with juices and rinsed black beans. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if too thick.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.

Notes

Brown the turkey well to develop flavor and avoid dryness. Cover pot while simmering to keep chili moist. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Chili tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Adjust spice level with jalapeños, cayenne, or chipotle in adobo. Slow cooker adaptation: brown turkey and sauté aromatics, then cook on low 4-6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey chili, easy chili recipe, quick weeknight meal, 5-ingredient chili, healthy chili, turkey recipes, comfort food