Simple Ground Turkey Chili

Category: Dinner Solutions You'll Love

Healthy turkey chili with beans, tomatoes, and spices, all in one pot. Done in less than an hour.
Hannah Author
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 19:03:37 GMT
A bowl of chili with cheese, sour cream, and parsley on top, with a pot of chili in the background. Save
A bowl of chili with cheese, sour cream, and parsley on top, with a pot of chili in the background. | recipesbyhannah.com

After lots of trial and error during chilly evenings, I've finally landed on this turkey chili we can't stop making. It's our real go-to for warm cozy nights, loaded with good stuff that keeps you satisfied. Plus, it's all tossed in one pot so you won't be left with a mess to clean up.

Irresistible Reasons

This one's got it all—wholesome, cozy, and just so easy to tweak. I like whipping up a huge pot so lunch or dinner's sorted for days. Having folks over for the big game or racing to fix dinner? This always comes through.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Pinto Beans: Bring a nice chewy change-up.
  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Total flavor game-changer.
  • Yellow Onion: Chopped up for amazing taste.
  • Chili Powder: Main flavor booster in every bite.
  • Ground Turkey: Won't leave you feeling heavy but still hearty.
  • Kidney Beans: Keep it saucy and extra rich.
  • Tomato Paste: Thickens things right up.
  • Cumin & Garlic: Delivers a smoky kick that really shines.
  • Toppings: Your pick—shredded cheese, fresh herbs, sour cream, you name it.

Get Ready to Cook

Time To Dive In
Spoon into bowls, pile on your best toppings, and eat up while it's still nice and hot.
Let It Thicken
Here comes the best part; give everything time to bubble away and soak up those flavors.
Add & Stir
Toss in your beans, both tomatoes, and a good spoonful of tomato paste. Watch it turn hearty.
Brown & Season
Start by tossing turkey and onion in the pot. Add all those spices and cook until the meat's not pink and smells awesome.

Stay Tasty Longer

This chili's a champ in the fridge and hangs in there just fine for three days. Want to freeze? Stash it for half a year. To warm up, just pour in a splash of water so it comes back perfect.

Have Fun With It

This one's super easy to switch up. No turkey? Add more beans or swap quinoa in for a veg-friendly version. Ground chicken or beef works too. Mix up the seasonings till it's just what you want.

A steaming pot of chili loaded with two kinds of beans and ground turkey, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce. Save
A steaming pot of chili loaded with two kinds of beans and ground turkey, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce. | recipesbyhannah.com

Tasty Matchups

Pair this with a chunk of fresh cornbread and you're set. I love spooning it over crispy tortilla chips for nachos, or packing it on top of a baked spud. It's the hit every game night.

Top Tricks

Want yours nice and thick? Pop the lid off and let that pot simmer a bit more. Trust me—fire-roasted tomatoes are worth it for the taste. Try tossing in some green chiles for a spicy surprise.

The Secret Sauce

It's just the right mix of filling and good-for-you. You're getting lean turkey and beans so it's both healthy and satisfying. Tossing everything together in one pot means extra time to kick back later.

Finish Strong

Toppings take this to the next level. Go wild with creamy cheese, cool sour cream, crunchy chips, or green onions. A bit of avocado or anything else you like will make it just yours. That's the best part.

Hearty bowl of chili with gooey cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and another bowl peeking in the back. Save
Hearty bowl of chili with gooey cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and another bowl peeking in the back. | recipesbyhannah.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Is ground beef okay to use?
Sure, you can swap turkey with lean ground beef. Just remember to drain extra fat after cooking.
→ Why keep bean liquid?
It gives the chili more flavor and a thicker texture. You can drain and rinse if you'd like but add extra liquid back.
→ Can I make it with a slow cooker?
Yep. Cook the meat and onions first, then toss everything into the slow cooker. Let it finish on low for 4-6 hours.
→ What's the best way to store leftovers?
Pop leftovers in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 4 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ How do I make it spicier?
Toss in some extra chili powder, cayenne, or a few chopped jalapeños—whatever you like!

Ground Turkey Chili

Comforting chili with turkey, beans, and tomatoes. Healthy and ideal for chilly evenings.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Total Time
50 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (Serves 4)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free

Ingredients

01 1 yellow onion, finely diced.
02 1 teaspoon of cumin powder.
03 1 teaspoon garlic seasoning.
04 6 ounces of tomato paste.
05 15.5-ounce can of pinto beans, undrained.
06 15.5-ounce can of kidney beans with liquid.
07 14.5-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes.
08 1 pound of ground turkey.
09 2 tablespoons of chili spice blend.
10 1 teaspoon salt to taste.
11 Parsley leaves for topping.
12 Shredded cheese to sprinkle on top.
13 Sour cream dollop for topping.

Directions

Step 01

Cook the turkey with diced onion and all the spices for about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any grease.

Step 02

Mix in the canned beans, tomatoes, and paste until combined.

Step 03

Let it come to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer covered for 30-45 minutes.

Step 04

Dish it up while hot and add your favorite toppings if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Swap ground turkey with ground beef if preferred.
  2. Leave the liquid in the beans when adding.
  3. Great to store in the freezer!

Required Equipment

  • A dutch oven or big cooking pot.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Dairy if you use the optional toppings.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 391
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 35 g