The short answer: Turkey chili is a lighter, milder cousin of beef chili: ground turkey, onion, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, beans and chicken broth simmered with chili powder and cumin. This version feeds a crowd of about 8 from a single Dutch oven in roughly 45 minutes. Because turkey has less fat and flavor than beef, it gets extra cumin, a spoon of tomato paste and fresh lime at the end.
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You'll find the full ingredient list, step-by-step method, slow cooker and pressure cooker versions, toppings and freezer tips below.
I love cooking, and a big pot like this is my favorite fall shortcut: dinner tonight, with bowls left for busy days.
Turkey chili ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 2 pounds | 93 percent lean works well |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Lean turkey needs the fat to brown |
| Yellow onion | 1 large, chopped | |
| Bell pepper | 1, chopped | Any color |
| Jalapeño | 1, seeded and minced | Optional |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped | |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Adds depth |
| Crushed tomatoes | One 28-ounce can | |
| Diced tomatoes with green chiles | 1 can (10 ounces) | Or plain diced tomatoes |
| Beans | Two 15-ounce cans, rinsed | Kidney, pinto or black |
| Chicken broth | 1½ cups | Low-sodium if you can |
| Lime | ½, juiced | Added at the end |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Begin around 1½ teaspoons salt |
The spice blend
| Spice | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chili powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne | ¼ teaspoon, or more for heat |
Want it ready for next time? Mix a triple batch of the spices, store it in an airtight jar and use about 3 tablespoons per pound of meat.
How to make turkey chili
- Brown the turkey well. Warm the oil in a Dutch oven on medium-high. Crumble in the turkey, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring so it gets some color. Keep cooking and breaking it up for about 8 minutes total.
- Soften the vegetables. Stir in the onion, bell pepper and jalapeño and give them about 5 minutes, then the garlic for 30 seconds more.
- Bloom the spices. Sprinkle in every spice plus the tomato paste. Stir constantly for about a minute, until it smells toasty and the paste turns brick red.
- Build the pot. Add both cans of tomatoes, the rinsed beans and the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot clean.
- Let it bubble. Once it boils, turn it down to a gentle simmer with the lid cracked. Give it 25 minutes at minimum and up to 45 if you have time, stirring every so often.
- Brighten and taste. Squeeze in the lime, then fix the salt and heat to your liking.
Turkey is poultry, so it needs to hit 165°F. That's the number FoodSafety.gov's temperature chart gives for ground turkey and also for warming up leftovers.
Turkey chili variations
| Version | What to change |
|---|---|
| Crockpot | Brown the meat and onion on the stove, move everything in, cook 6 to 8 hours on low (3 to 4 on high) |
| Pressure cooker | Sauté in the insert, layer tomatoes last, 10 minutes at pressure, natural release 10 minutes |
| White turkey chili | Swap in great northern beans, green chiles and extra broth, and leave out the red tomatoes |
| Sweet potato | Stir in 2 cups of diced sweet potato when the broth goes in |
| Beanless | Replace the beans with an extra pepper and a diced zucchini |
| Stretch it further | A third can of beans plus a cup of cooked rice feeds a bigger group |
If you'd rather use beef, our easy chili recipe is the classic version, and white chicken chili is the creamy one.
Toppings and sides
| Topping bar | Serve it with | Second-night ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp cheddar or pepper jack | Skillet cornbread | Chili-stuffed baked potatoes |
| Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream | Steamed rice | Chili mac with elbow pasta |
| Sliced scallions and cilantro | Crisp side salad | Turkey chili nachos |
| Diced avocado | Saltine crackers | Chili over fried eggs |
| Pickled jalapeños, crushed chips | Roasted squash | Chili-topped hot dogs |
Storing and freezing turkey chili
Cool chili fast: the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service leftovers guide says to get leftovers chilled within 2 hours and to split a big batch into shallow containers so it cools evenly. For soups and stews like this one, the FoodSafety.gov chart allows 3 to 4 days chilled and 2 to 3 months frozen for best quality.
- Portion it into freezer bags and lay them flat so they stack and thaw fast.
- Thaw a bag in the refrigerator overnight.
- Warm it on the stove until it's steaming and reaches 165°F.
Write the date on each bag and add it to your freezer inventory list.
Plan chili night
- Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. Pencil in turkey chili plus a leftovers meal and build one shopping trip around them.
- Family Recipe Binder, $6.99. Record your spice tweaks so the next pot matches this one.
- Budget Planner Printable, $5.99. See how pantry-friendly dinners keep your food spending on track.
Browse all our Printables.
More easy dinners
Have a pressure cooker? Try our Instant Pot chili, which is on the table in about 45 minutes.
Want a meatless version? Our vegetarian chili gets its heartiness from three kinds of beans and sweet potato.
Want another fall version? Our pumpkin chili works with ground turkey or beef.
Comparing chili types? Our guide to whether chili is healthy lists calories, protein, fiber and sodium per cup.
Have more ground turkey to use up? Browse our ground turkey recipes, grouped by quick, pasta, bowl and casserole nights.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make turkey chili? To make turkey chili, brown 2 pounds of ground turkey with onion, pepper and garlic, stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano and tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and two cans of beans. Simmer for at least 25 minutes and season with salt and a squeeze of lime.
What temperature should ground turkey reach? Ground turkey should reach 165°F, the safe minimum internal temperature FoodSafety.gov lists for all poultry. Brown it until no pink remains, and check a thick spot with a food thermometer if you're unsure.
Why is my turkey chili bland? Turkey chili turns out bland when the turkey is under-seasoned or the spices go in too late. Season the meat with salt while it browns, toast the spices in the pot for a minute before adding liquid, and finish with lime juice, extra salt or a little hot sauce.
Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili? Turkey chili made with 93 percent lean ground turkey is usually lower in fat than chili made with 80 percent lean beef. Check the labels on the meat you buy, because ground turkey that includes dark meat and skin can be close to beef.
What kind of beans go in turkey chili? Kidney, pinto and black beans all work in turkey chili, and many cooks use two kinds for texture. Drain and rinse canned beans first so the chili isn't salty or cloudy.
Can I make turkey chili in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make turkey chili in a slow cooker. Brown the turkey with the onion and spices first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Browning first keeps the turkey from clumping and builds more flavor.
Can I make turkey chili in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can make turkey chili in an Instant Pot. Brown the turkey and vegetables on the sauté setting, add the remaining ingredients with the tomatoes on top, and pressure cook for 10 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Stir well before serving.
How do I thicken turkey chili? Thicken turkey chili by simmering it uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, mashing a cup of beans against the side of the pot, or stirring in 2 tablespoons of masa harina mixed with a little water.
How long does turkey chili last? Turkey chili lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 2 to 3 months in the freezer for best quality. Refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking and reheat leftovers to 165°F.
What do you serve with turkey chili? Serve turkey chili with cornbread, rice, a baked potato, tortilla chips or a green salad. Set out shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, green onions and avocado so everyone can top their own bowl.
How can I fit chili night into a weekly meal plan? Make a full pot on a busy night and plan a second meal from the leftovers, like chili baked potatoes or chili mac. The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. lets you write both meals on the same weekly grid and shop for them in one trip.
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Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold food storage chart foodsafety.gov