Turkey Chili Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Updated on January 27th, 2025

When it comes to comfort food that’s easy to make, turkey chili is a smart choice. It’s simple, flavorful, and reliable. You can enjoy it by yourself, silently taking in the aroma of chile spices. Or you can serve it to a big, loud group of family and friends.

I like this turkey chili recipe because it has a classic set of ingredients and flavors, with the fun addition of zucchini. Picky eaters won’t notice the extra vegetable. You can also adjust spices, bean types, and the meat you use to make this recipe your own.

Turkey chili recipe: what to expect

• Taste: This chili has a cozy, savory flavor with a little kick from the spices. The tomatoes make it rich and bring everything together.
• Texture: The turkey is soft, while the beans and veggies add a good balance of creaminess and bite.
• Foolproof factor: Make sure to brown the turkey fully for better flavor and even cooking. Stir-frying the vegetables separately keeps them from getting too soft. If the chili feels too thick, just add a little water and adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Timing: Prep takes about 8 to 10 minutes, and the chili cooks in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your preferred consistency.

Turkey chili recipe ingredients and how to use them

This recipe has a good mix of simple pantry staples and fresh veggies, so it’s easy to pull together. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oil: Use 3 tablespoons, divided. You’ll need some for browning the turkey and some for sautéing the veggies.
• Ground turkey: 1 1/2 lbs of lean protein that soaks up all the spices perfectly. You could also use ground pork, ground chicken, or ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Even ground tofu would work! The ground beef will add more richness to the flavor.
• Taco seasoning mix: One packet is all you need to add tons of flavor without extra measuring.
• Ground coriander: Just 1 teaspoon for a little citrusy kick that makes everything taste brighter.
• Dried oregano: Another teaspoon adds a hint of earthy, herbal flavor.
• Chili pepper flakes: Use 1 teaspoon, or more if you like a bit of heat.
• Tomato paste: This recipe needs 2 tablespoons to thicken up the base and add a rich flavor.
• Beef broth: One can (14.5 ounces) keeps the chili saucy and flavorful. Feel free to swap in chicken broth or veggie broth if needed.
• Salsa: A 7-ounce jar for a fresh, zesty twist without any extra chopping.
• Crushed tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can makes the base tangy and rich.
• Kidney beans: A can of these hearty beans makes the chili filling and satisfying.
• Black beans: Another can of beans adds texture and variety.
• Chopped green chile peppers: A small 7-ounce can for a little heat and extra flavor.
• Onion: One medium onion, finely chopped, adds a bit of sweetness when cooked.
• Green pepper: Dice one green pepper for some crunch and color.
• Zucchini: Three medium zucchinis, sliced, make the chili feel lighter but still filling.
• Green onions: Chop a bunch to sprinkle on top as a fresh garnish.
• Sour cream: One cup for topping and balancing out the spices.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: One cup melts perfectly on top for a cheesy finish.

Equipment needed for turkey chili

You’ll only need a few basic tools such as a large stock pot, skillet, wooden spoon, sharp knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, and a can opener.

Similar recipes to try

If you enjoy this turkey chili recipe, here are a few other dishes you’ll want to try:

• Pumpkin chili recipe: For a fun twist, pumpkin adds a slight sweetness and richness that pairs perfectly with chili spices.
• Slow cooker Cincinnati chili recipe: On days when you want something hands-off, this slow-cooked chili with warm spices and cinnamon is a must-try.
• White chicken chili: When you’re craving something creamy, this dish with tender chicken, white beans, and green chilies hits the spot.
• Chili pasta bake: And if comfort food is calling your name, this baked combo of chili, pasta, and melted cheese is the answer.

Turkey Chili Recipe

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This is a warming, satisfying bowl of chili. Make it your own with extra toppings!

• Author: Bobby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons oil, divided
• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can beef broth
• 1 (7 ounces) jar salsa
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15.5 ounces) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15.5 ounces) can black beans, drained
• 1 (7 ounces) can be chopped green chile peppers
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

Optional toppings

• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 2 avocados, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup cotija or cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 big bag of corn tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. In a large stock pot heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey to the stock pot and break it up with a spatula or spoon. Season with taco seasoning, coriander, oregano, chili flakes, and tomato paste.
3. Mix until the meat is coated with the seasonings. Continue cooking until the turkey is browned.
   Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, and reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until the broth has slightly reduced. Add salsa, tomatoes, and green chilies.
4. Add kidney beans and black beans. Continue cooking at medium heat for 10 minutes.
5. While chili is cooking heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir fry onion and green pepper until onion is translucent. Add onion and bell pepper to chili and mix well. In the same pan used to fry the onion and pepper, add the last bit of oil and add the sliced zucchini.
6. Stir fry for 5 minutes. Add the zucchini to the chili.
   Continue cooking for 15 minutes or more. Add water if chili becomes too thick.
7. To serve, top chili with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Serve with corn chips if desired.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite kind of beans or any other ground meat. You can also make this a meatless dish by using crumbled tofu.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 652
• Sugar: 5.2 g
• Sodium: 811.5 mg
• Fat: 41.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35.6 g
• Protein: 40.2 g
• Cholesterol: 113.4 mg