Looking for a healthy, hearty, and easy dinner? This Amazing Turkey Chili Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals is packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it the perfect weeknight solution for busy families or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Amazing Turkey Chili
This chili is more than just a bowl of beans and meat—it’s rich, comforting, and flexible. The lean ground turkey keeps it light, while fire-roasted tomatoes and three types of beans create a satisfying texture. You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, making it perfect for any schedule. It’s kid-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients for Amazing Turkey Chili
For the Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced onions
- Sliced jalapeño
Ingredient Notes
- Beans: You can use canned or cook your own; three types add depth of flavor.
- Turkey: Swap for ground chicken for a similar effect.
- Tomato paste: Boosts richness—don’t skip it.
- Spices: Adjust chili powder to your heat preference.
- Healthy swaps: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil or reduce salt for low-sodium diets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté Aromatics & Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2 – Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance flavor.
Step 3 – Add Liquids & Beans
Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Add all three beans and stir to combine. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—they add extra flavor.
Step 4 – Cook the Chili
- Stovetop: Cover and simmer for 1–2 hours. Remove the lid in the last 15 minutes to thicken.
- Slow Cooker: Transfer mixture to slow cooker, cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with natural release.
Step 5 – Serve
Spoon chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced onions, or jalapeños as desired. Serve with cornbread, rice, or a simple salad.
Pro Tips for Success
- Brown the turkey well—this develops a deeper flavor.
- Toast spices with tomato paste for richer chili.
- Simmer low and slow for best texture.
- Use a variety of beans to add color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day.
- Freeze in portions for a quick, healthy meal anytime.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Add chipotle in adobo or cayenne pepper.
- Smoky: Use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
- Vegetable boost: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Southwest style: Stir in corn, black beans, and a squeeze of lime.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a bit of Greek yogurt or cream cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips.
- Top with avocado slices or shredded cheese.
- Pair with brown rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl.
- Add a side salad for extra freshness.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4–5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on stovetop or microwave until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1/6 of recipe)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
FAQ About Amazing Turkey Chili
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Replace turkey with extra beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Increase spices for deeper flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or chopped jalapeños. Adjust gradually to taste.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted?
Yes, though fire-roasted adds extra depth and a smoky flavor. You can toast diced tomatoes in a pan to mimic that taste.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in the fridge or freeze in portions.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for browning and the pressure cook function for 12 minutes. Let it naturally release for best results.
Amazing Turkey Chili
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon or spatula
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 28 oz fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Add all three beans and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the chili using your preferred method: stovetop simmer 1–2 hours, slow cooker on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours, or Instant Pot on high pressure for 12 minutes with natural release.
- Spoon chili into bowls and serve with shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, cilantro, diced onions, or jalapeños as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Amazing Turkey Chili Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals is the ultimate mix of healthy, hearty, and flavorful. Its versatility, ease, and family-friendly ingredients make it a staple recipe for busy evenings or meal prep. Whether you make it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, you’ll have a satisfying, comforting meal everyone loves.