TURKEY CHILI is a lightened up version of traditional chili that you’ll feel good about feeding your family! Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a quick nutritious dinner and it always gets devoured in my house!
Is there anything more satisfying than a bowl of chili and a crispy gooey grilled cheese sandwich?
This was a total staple of my childhood and it’s one of those meals that I make for my kids over and over again now that I’m the mama.
We often make my white chicken chili, chili mac, or taco chili, but I thought it was time for a lightened up version of chili.
This turkey chili recipe is bursting with flavor, made from scratch, and I swear, you won’t miss the beef a bit!
Ground turkey chili recipe:
This healthy turkey chili starts with a pound of ground turkey. I choose the 93/7 variety, but you can get as lean or as fatty as you prefer.
Add the turkey to a pot with a bit of oil and brown the meat.
Stir in some onions, minced jalapeno, and garlic. You can use as much or as little jalapeno as you like – I keep it pretty mild for my kiddos and serve with extra jalapeno on the side!
Once your turkey is cooked through, season the turkey with chili powder, salt, and cumin.
Stir in some tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans. I like to use the hot or mild chili beans here, but you can use plain kidney beans if you prefer. Either work well!
Bring the chili to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for at least 30 minutes. The longer your chili simmers, the more flavorful and tender the meat gets!
How long will this turkey chili recipe keep in the fridge?
You can keep this turkey chili recipe in the fridge, tightly covered, for 3 to 4 days.
It reheats beautifully and the flavor improves as it sits.
Is turkey chili healthy?
My ground turkey chili recipe has less fat and calories than a traditional beef chili and is packed with protein.
There are loads of nutrients from the tomato sauce and canned tomatoes.
The beans add fiber, but if you’re eating a more low carb diet, feel free to leave them out.
What to serve with turkey chili?
Would you believe that in Nebraska people serve cinnamon rolls with their chili? It’s true! We tried it when we lived there for a year and it’s actually really good.
But, a more standard side would be cornbread or a grilled cheese sandwich!
More recipes to try:
Turkey Meatloaf: A lightened up version of a classic!
Alfredo Sauce: Serve it over some pasta with a side of chicken! The best!
Cucumber Salad: The side dish that goes with everything, in my opinion!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: I could munch on these every night!
Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 jalapeno minced, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans
Instructions
- Add the turkey to a large deep pot over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking the meat up.
- Add in the onion, jalapeno, and garlic and continue cooking, stirring often, until the meat is cooked through.
- Add the chili powder, salt, and cumin and stir well to coat the meat in the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or longer over low heat.
- Serve with cheddar, sour cream, and extra jalapenos as desired.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Liz Yeager says
I have made this several times and it always turns out great! We love it!
Karly says
That’s great to hear, Liz!
Diana Imme says
Wow this recipe was delicious. I added a green pepper and some mushrooms along with another can of kidney beans.
Karly says
So glad it was a hit! Love the addition of mushrooms.
Kris says
YUM! Karly I made a big pot of this today for my trick or treaters. It’s going to be so cold tonight that kids and parents will be invited in and served in a Dixie cup with a spoon and a sprinkle of shredded cheese or Fritos. I only had ground beef on hand and I wanted you to know it tastes delicious for anyone else who doesn’t have ground turkey on hand. I did add the beans and let it simmer all afternoon uncovered and it is thick and so good.
I grew up in Washington and Oregon and we serve cinnamon rolls with chili here too. No frosting, just dredge the bread dough in cinnamon sugar and roll up. It makes a crust on the outside.
Thank you and I know my frozen trick or treaters will be along soon! Happy Halloween!
Karly says
Love that you’re serving it up to trick or treaters! So sweet! Hope you had a great Halloween!
Barb Holland says
I <3 the recies.