Lean turkey chili loaded with beans and warm spices
Hearty Turkey Chili
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6
8 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Hearty Turkey Chili
Lean turkey chili loaded with beans and warm spices
★4.5(17)
A lighter but still hearty chili made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a rich blend of chili spices. All the comfort, fewer calories.
10m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This turkey chili is just as satisfying as the beef version but lighter on calories. Loaded with beans and warm spices, it is perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Brown ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbles. Drain any excess liquid.
- 2
Add diced onion and cook 4 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook 1 minute.
- 3
Pour in crushed tomatoes and kidney beans. Add 1/2 cup water and stir to combine.
- 4
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes until thick.
- 5
Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Ground turkeyGround chicken
Equally lean and mild
Kidney beansBlack beans or pinto beans
All work great in chili
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Add a square of dark chocolate for richness and depth.
Use a mix of kidney and black beans for variety.
A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, adding water if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (80mg) · 6 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat28g
Fiber640mg
Sugar8g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes—brown the turkey first, then cook on low for 6 hours.
- How do I make it spicier?
- Add diced jalapenos or a chipotle pepper in adobo.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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