Can this chili be made in advance?

Absolutely. It’s actually one of those magical dishes that tastes better after a day or two as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat and enjoy – perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales up or down easily. If you’re doubling, use a big enough pot and give it a little extra simmer time.

This particular recipe has warmth and deep flavor rather than overt heat. If you love spicy chili, feel free to add hot sauce, jalapeños, or an extra dash of chili powder.

What if I only have one kind of bean?

No problem! Use all red kidney beans or all pinto beans. The chili will still be delicious – this flexible recipe welcomes substitutions.

Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Name: Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 15.5 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained; 15.5 ounce can pinto beans, undrained; 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, undrained; 6 ounce can tomato paste; Sour cream; Shredded cheese; Chopped parsley

When life gets busy but you still crave a warm, comforting meal, this Ground Turkey Chili recipe swoops in like your weeknight hero. Loaded with layers of flavor, satisfying textures, and a gorgeous blend of spices, this is the kind of recipe that will make you wonder why you ever bought chili in a can. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour, using just one pot, and the whole family will be crowding the kitchen as it simmers away. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a hearty meal-prep staple, this chili is about to become your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in a single pot, making clean-up an absolute breeze.
Quick and Hearty: From stovetop to bowl in just about 50 minutes, you get cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort with time to spare.
Balanced Flavors and Perfect Heat: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, two kinds of beans, and a trio of classic chili seasonings gives each spoonful deep, well-rounded flavor without being overpowering.
Fits Busy Lifestyles: Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you want something filling without fuss.
Versatile and Forgiving: This turkey chili welcomes swaps and add-ins – it’s open to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Turkey: The main protein; lean and mild, it soaks up all those wonderful chili spices.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma as it cooks down into the sauce.
Chili Powder: Essential for that rich, classic chili flavor.
Salt: Brightens everything up.
Cumin: Brings a subtle earthiness and warmth that’s absolutely essential in chili.
Garlic Powder: For quick, even flavor without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
Red Kidney Beans (in their liquid): These hearty beans add bulk and soak up the spices beautifully.
Pinto Beans (in their liquid): Creamy, mild pinto beans balance the texture and add to the chili’s richness.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes (with juices): Smoky, deep, and just a hint of tang – these are a simple way to elevate the flavor.
Tomato Paste: Thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato richness.
Optional Garnishes (Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Parsley): For a creamy, cheesy, or fresh finish – garnish to your heart’s content!

Tip: No need to drain the beans or tomatoes! Those flavorful liquids help make the chili saucy and deeply savory.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel like mixing it up? Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Swap Proteins: Try ground chicken or lean ground beef if that’s what you have.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini bring extra color and nutrition.
Crank Up the Heat: Toss in diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce for a punch of spice.
Boost the Beans: Black beans or cannellini beans work just as well. Or, use all of one variety if that’s what’s in the pantry.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and use chopped mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

How to Make Ground Turkey Chili

Step 1: Start with Aromatics and Protein

Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high. Add the ground turkey and chopped onion, then sprinkle in chili powder, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Break up the turkey as it cooks, and let it all sizzle until the onions are soft and the turkey isn’t pink anymore – this takes just 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off.

Step 2: Pour and Stir

Dump in your undrained red kidney beans, pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and the tomato paste. Using the bean and tomato liquids gives the chili just the right amount of sauciness with no water needed. Stir everything together until it’s well-combined and looking thick and hearty.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Crank up the heat so the mixture comes to a boil, then cover the pot and drop it down to a gentle simmer. Give it at least 30 minutes – 45 if you have time for deeper flavor – and stir now and then to keep things bubbling evenly. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot, bubbling chili straight into bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and some fresh parsley if you’ve got it. Each bite is rich, filling, and deeply satisfying.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Season Boldly: Taste and adjust the seasonings near the end – chili powder brands can vary in strength.
Don’t Rinse the Beans: The liquids from the cans add both thickness and flavor – don’t skip this step!
Simmer Gently: If you have the time, let the chili simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end to thicken it up extra nicely.
Batch Cooking: This chili is even better the next day, so consider doubling the recipe and enjoying leftovers all week.

How to Serve

There’s more than one way to make this chili shine at the table:

Classic Style: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings: extra shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or parsley.
With Cornbread or Tortilla Chips: The ultimate cozy pairing – use the bread or chips as edible spoons!
Over Rice or Pasta: Turn your chili into a stick-to-your-ribs chili bowl, perfect for hearty appetites.
Chili Dogs or Nachos: Spoon over hot dogs or layer on tortilla chips for a game-night treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor only gets richer with time!

Freezing

Chili freezes like a dream. Transfer cooled chili to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm the chili on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, pop it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can this chili be made in advance?

Absolutely. It’s actually one of those magical dishes that tastes better after a day or two as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat and enjoy – perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.
Can I double or halve the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales up or down easily. If you’re doubling, use a big enough pot and give it a little extra simmer time.
Is it spicy?

This particular recipe has warmth and deep flavor rather than overt heat. If you love spicy chili, feel free to add hot sauce, jalapeños, or an extra dash of chili powder.
What if I only have one kind of bean?

No problem! Use all red kidney beans or all pinto beans. The chili will still be delicious – this flexible recipe welcomes substitutions.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Chili is truly the weeknight champion: speedy, comforting, and totally customizable. Whether you stick to the recipe or make it your own, you’ll love how easy and satisfying homemade chili can be. Gather your favorite toppings, invite some friends or family to the table, and dig into a big bowl of goodness – you won’t regret making this a regular part of your dinner rotation!