Best Yet Turkey Chili Recipe

Name: Best Yet Turkey Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground turkey; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 (19 ounce) can black beans, with liquid; 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid; 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, with liquid; 1 pinch ground cumin, or to taste; 1 pinch chili powder, or to taste; 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste; 1 pinch ground cinnamon, or to taste

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ground Turkey Chili

Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 pounds ground turkey
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (19 ounce) can black beans, with liquid
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, with liquid
1 pinch ground cumin, or to taste
1 pinch chili powder, or to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 pinch ground cinnamon, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, place the ground turkey and chopped green bell pepper. Set the pan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is evenly browned. This should take around 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add the black beans (with their liquid), diced tomatoes (with liquid), and whole kernel corn (with liquid) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Season the mixture with ground cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and ground cinnamon. Adjust the amounts of each seasoning to your taste preference.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a more liquid chili, feel free to add water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 339
Total Fat: 10g (12% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (12% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 84mg (28% Daily Value)
Sodium: 829mg (36% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 34g (12% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 9g (33% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 31g (62% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 29mg (32% Daily Value)
Calcium: 105mg (8% Daily Value)
Iron: 7mg (39% Daily Value)
Potassium: 802mg (17% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your individual needs.

History and Origins of Turkey Chili

Turkey chili, a lighter alternative to the classic beef chili, has its roots in the heart of American culinary traditions. Chili itself, believed to have originated in the southwestern United States, was initially made with beef or pork and seasoned with chili peppers. However, turkey became a popular substitute for ground beef as health-conscious eating habits gained momentum in the late 20th century. Ground turkey, leaner and lower in fat, began appearing in chili recipes as people sought healthier meal options without sacrificing flavor. The addition of spices and vegetables ensures that turkey chili retains the bold, rich flavors of traditional chili, making it a popular choice for modern cooks.

Regional Variations of Turkey Chili

While turkey chili is widely enjoyed across North America, regional variations often bring their own unique twists to the dish. In the southwestern United States, chili is often served with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Some regions might even incorporate beans or corn into their recipes. In contrast, a more minimalist approach is found in Texan-style chili, where beans are often omitted entirely, and the focus is solely on the meat and spices. Regardless of regional differences, turkey chili is generally considered a healthier and lighter alternative to beef chili without compromising on taste.

How Does Turkey Chili Differ from Similar Dishes?

Turkey chili distinguishes itself from beef chili in several key ways. First, the choice of meatground turkey instead of beefresults in a dish with significantly less fat and calories, making it an appealing option for those seeking a healthier alternative. Additionally, turkey has a more subtle flavor profile compared to beef, which allows the spices to shine through more clearly. Chili con carne, for example, traditionally uses beef, while turkey chili retains the comforting spiciness and depth of flavor, albeit with a lighter texture and slightly milder taste. The inclusion of beans and corn in turkey chili also gives it a more robust and varied texture, often making it more filling.

Where is Turkey Chili Typically Served?

Turkey chili is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings. It's a popular choice for casual gatherings such as family dinners, game days, or potlucks, as it is easy to prepare in large quantities. In restaurants, it's often featured as a comforting, healthy option on the menu, especially in places that focus on lighter fare or health-conscious eating. Additionally, turkey chili is a great dish for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and can be easily reheated. It's commonly served with accompaniments like cornbread, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream, enhancing its appeal as a satisfying meal.

Fun Facts About Turkey Chili

1. Chili Cook-offs: Turkey chili has become a favorite in chili cook-offs, where participants compete to create the best chili. The dish has earned a place in these competitions due to its health benefits and the depth of flavor it can offer.

2. Spice Lovers' Delight: The beauty of turkey chili lies in its adaptability. Spice enthusiasts can elevate the heat with the addition of jalapeos, hot sauce, or chili flakes, while others can opt for milder versions to suit different taste preferences.

3. A Comfort Food Makeover: While chili is often associated with cold winter months, turkey chili is perfect for any season. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed year-round, whether served hot during the chilly months or as a lighter dish during the summer.

FAQ about Best Yet Turkey Chili Recipe

Yes, you can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you'd like to store it for a longer period, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it down before refrigerating or freezing to maintain the best flavor and texture.

To reheat, you can warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If using the microwave, heat it in a microwave-safe container in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. You may need to add a little water or broth if it has thickened too much during storage.

Yes, this chili can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together, which can make it taste even better. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.

If the chili is too thick for your liking, simply add a little water, broth, or even a splash of tomato juice to reach your desired consistency. Stir it well and heat it through before serving.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even a vegetarian option like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils for a plant-based version.

The chili in this recipe is fairly mild, but you can easily adjust the heat level. To make it spicier, increase the amount of chili powder, red pepper flakes, or add fresh chopped jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a mild chili powder.

Absolutely! You can add a variety of vegetables to suit your taste. Common additions include diced onions, zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. Just be mindful of the cooking time as some vegetables may take longer to soften.

Yes, this chili recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free versions of ingredients such as broth and any additional spices or seasonings. Always double-check the labels of any pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

This chili is delicious served on its own or with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. You can also serve it over rice, with cornbread, or with tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Yes, this chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or microwave.

Comments

Nathan Martin

07/12/2023 04:55:43 AM

I enhanced the dish by incorporating 2 tablespoons of beef bouillon paste, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a small yellow onion. I also opted for a red bell pepper instead of green. The flavor was outstanding! I let everything simmer in a slow cooker all day.

Gregory Allen

09/28/2022 09:39:15 PM

Review Rewritten: This chili is delicious on its own, but I love adding a corn bread topping for a tasty twist. Just follow Rachel's recipe, but simmer the chili for only 5 minutes to prevent the beans from overcooking. Transfer the chili to a large casserole dish and sprinkle corn bread mix on top (I prefer using 2 packages of Jiffy without the oil for a healthier version). Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour (I usually uncover after 30 minutes to brown the top). This recipe is perfect for hectic weeknights - you can make the chili ahead of time, add the corn bread topping, and bake when you're ready to enjoy a comforting meal.

Raymond Lewis

02/01/2024 05:01:55 AM

Review Update: Wow, this chili is truly exceptional! The inclusion of cinnamon is the secret ingredient that elevates its flavor to new heights. I made a few modifications to the original recipe. Firstly, I incorporated half a chopped onion along with the green pepper and turkey. Additionally, I included two minced cloves of garlic in the mixture. I omitted cumin as I didn't have any on hand. Having noted feedback about the chili lacking spice, I decided to enhance it by using canned diced tomatoes with jalapenos. This addition provided a satisfying kick for my palate, although it proved a bit too fiery for others. Embrace the cinnamon - I even increased the amount in my batch! I allowed the chili to simmer for about an hour before serving and storing it in the freezer.

Mary Phillips

11/17/2022 07:09:52 AM

We recently moved into a new apartment and found ourselves with only ground turkey in the freezer, but a well-stocked pantry of canned goods. This recipe was the perfect solution for our situation. I omitted the green pepper and used a yellow onion instead. Since I didn't have a large can of black beans, I substituted with kidney beans and rinsed them to reduce the sodium content. Adding a bit of low-sodium chicken broth helped make up for the lost liquid from the beans. I increased the amount of spices as recommended, although I kept the cinnamon to just a pinch as the recipe suggests. To thicken the sauce slightly, I added a pinch or two of cornstarch, as we prefer our chili on the thicker side. Serving it over rice was a delicious choice. This recipe earns a perfect 10 stars for its simplicity and excellent results!

Ruth Lee

06/11/2023 10:46:20 PM

Rewritten review: This recipe was fantastic and so quick to make! I sautéed ground turkey with onion since I didn't have any peppers, then seasoned it before adding beans, corn, and tomatoes. I recently purchased habanero chili powder, which added a wonderful aroma and flavor. I adjusted the recipe slightly by using a smaller can of tomatoes and half a jar of salsa to control the liquid content. I also tossed in some sliced jalapenos and used 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. After simmering for about 2 hours, the dish was a huge hit. Thank you for sharing such a terrific recipe!

Jack Ramirez

04/23/2025 04:53:15 PM

Added onions and omitted the cinnamon.

Nancy Williams

07/18/2024 09:18:10 PM

Beloved by the whole family

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Best Yet Turkey Chili Recipe