The Best Turkey Chili (Slow Cooker and Stovetop)
You will absolutely love this turkey chili recipe! Made with lean ground turkey, beans, veggies and plenty of spices to add good flavor.
Sometimes, you just need a high protein twist on classic beef chili, and this turkey chili recipe delivers!
For this recipe, I used ground turkey and browned it in the skillet with onions, garlic and peppers. Please know that you can absolutely substitute leftover turkey meat! Either shredded or cubed cooked turkey will be just fine. It’s a great way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
This ground turkey recipe calls for three different types of beans. Feel free to have fun and substitute any of the bean varieties if you’d like! It’s a pretty flexible recipe.
Recipe Substitutions
There are plenty of ways you can substitute the ingredients in this turkey chili recipe! Here are a few suggestions:
- Instead of canned corn, you’re welcome to substitute 1.5 cups of frozen corn kernels.
- I call for a red bell pepper in this, but any color bell pepper will work!
- Swap any one can of beans in the ingredient list for pinto beans or another white bean if you prefer.
- To add heat, add a diced, seeded jalapeño when you sauté the onions and bell pepper. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce will also make this chili extra spicy!
Serving Suggestions
I honestly think this turkey chili was made to be served with cornbread. If you agree, try my Honey Jalapeno Cornbread or Spoonbread! If you’re accommodating a vegetarian guest, I recommend making this vegetarian chili as well.
If you need a savory side dish option, I think you’ll like my cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits, or this Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
For toppings, the world is your oyster! Try shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, Fritos or hot sauce.
Storing Leftover Turkey Chili
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or at half power in the microwave until warmed through.
Or you can freeze leftovers in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then rewarm on the stove.
The Best Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Step 1: Brown the turkey and vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Step 1: Add seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step 3: Add canned goods and broth
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes, canned, do not drain
- 15 ounces tomato sauce, canned
- 15 ounces black beans, canned, drained
- 15 ounces kidney beans, canned, drained
- 15 ounces white beans, canned, drained
- 15 ounces corn, canned, drained
- 4 ounces mild diced green chiles, canned, do not drain
- 1 cup chicken broth, less or more, depending on the thickness you want
Instructions
- To a large pot, add olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey, onion and bell pepper. Brown until the turkey is cooked through, crumbling as you stir, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and seasonings and stir to coat the turkey and vegetables with the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, green chiles and chicken broth, stir to combine. Allow the mixture to just barely come to a boil, then adjust the heat to low to keep the soup simmering gently.
- Allow to simmer for at least 15 minutes, up to several hours.
- Serve hot with desired garnishes.
