This Ground Turkey Chili is a simple one-pot dinner made with pantry staples, lean ground turkey, and bold chili flavor that comes together easily on the stovetop. It is a reliable Turkey Chili recipe for busy nights when you want something filling, comforting, and low effort.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Ground Turkey Chili
🕒 Ready In: ~45 minutes
👪 Serves: 6 servings
🍽 Calories: ~320 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Ground turkey, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free; dairy-free
👌 Difficulty: Easy - one pot stovetop recipe
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Unlike many turkey chili recipes that turn out bland or thin, this version simmers uncovered to develop a thick, spoonable texture while the seasoning builds flavor as it cooks. It is easy to customize, works well for meal prep, and reheats great, making it a practical option for both weeknights and leftovers.
If you enjoy easy, flavorful dinners like this, you might also like our Jalapeno Popper Chicken, Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings, or Crockpot Beef and Broccoli. These simple recipes are designed for busy weeknights and pair well with quick sides or easy toppings.
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Why You'll Love Ground Turkey Chili:
Bold, Comforting Flavor: A generous amount of chili seasoning, tomatoes, and beans creates a rich, savory chili that tastes slow simmered without hours on the stove.
One Pot and Weeknight Friendly: Everything cooks in a single pot on the stovetop, making this an easy dinner with minimal cleanup.
Thick and Hearty Texture: Simmering the chili uncovered helps it thicken naturally, resulting in a spoonable texture that holds up well for leftovers.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the seasoning, swap the beans, or add extra vegetables to make this turkey chili work for your taste and what you have on hand.
Key Ingredients:
- ground turkey. A lean alternative to ground beef that still delivers hearty flavor, choose 93% lean for the best texture.
- beans. Provide protein, fiber, and texture, use canned for convenience or cooked from dry if preferred.
- diced tomatoes. Bring acidity and freshness to balance the richness of the chili.
- chili seasoning. A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and spices, store-bought or homemade both work great.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Bean Options: Swap the black beans or kidney beans for pinto beans, cannellini beans, or a mix of what you already have on hand.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Use less chili seasoning for a milder chili, or add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Vegetable Add Ins: Diced zucchini, corn, or bell peppers can be added during the simmer for extra texture and flavor.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the turkey and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
How to Make Ground Turkey Chili:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
- Stir in onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like green onions, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or sour cream.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Simmer Uncovered for Thickness: Keeping the chili uncovered as it simmers allows excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, more spoonable texture without adding flour or cornstarch.
- Adjust Seasoning at the End: Chili seasoning blends vary in salt and spice, so always taste the chili after simmering and adjust as needed before serving.
- Prevent Dry Turkey: Avoid overcooking the ground turkey in the first step. Once it is no longer pink and lightly browned, move on to the next step so it stays tender.
- Make It Ahead: This turkey chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Serving Tip: Set out toppings like green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado so everyone can customize their bowl.
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How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store cooled chili in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Ground Turkey Chili FAQs:
Yes. This turkey chili is a great make ahead meal and often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Simmering the chili uncovered is the easiest way to thicken it naturally. If you want it thicker, mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
Yes. You can omit the beans entirely for a no bean turkey chili. For best results, add an extra half pound of ground turkey or another can of diced tomatoes to maintain the texture.
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Ground Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup green pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chili seasoning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
- Stir in onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like green onions, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or sour cream.
Nutrition
Notes
- Simmer Uncovered for Thickness: Keeping the chili uncovered as it simmers allows excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, more spoonable texture without adding flour or cornstarch.
- Adjust Seasoning at the End: Chili seasoning blends vary in salt and spice, so always taste the chili after simmering and adjust as needed before serving.
- Prevent Dry Turkey: Avoid overcooking the ground turkey in the first step. Once it is no longer pink and lightly browned, move on to the next step so it stays tender.
- Make It Ahead: This turkey chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Serving Tip: Set out toppings like green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado so everyone can customize their bowl.
Kae says
Made this for dinner tonight it was so good!