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    You are here: Home / Soups + Chili / Simple Turkey Chili

    Simple Turkey Chili

    Last Updated August 29, 2022. Published September 30, 2019 By Lorie 4 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This quick and Simple Turkey Chili is made stovetop and in just 30 minutes! Full of peppers, beans, spices and one unique ingredient to really bring out the richness of flavor. An easy recipe to prepare for cozy cold night dinners!

    Turkey chili with shredded cheese, sour cream and green onions.

    Since I am from Cincinnati, I have all the Cincinnati chili at my finger tips. There is a Skyline Chili pretty much on every corner here. But in case you are wondering where I am going, THIS IS NOT A CINCINNATI CHILI RECIPE!

    However, this quick and easy Turkey Chili does have a special unique ingredient that you may find surprising. And it's rooted in my home city's chili recipes!

    What is it? Cocoa Powder!

    That's right, there is cocoa powder in this Turkey Chili!

    Because everything tastes better with chocolate, right?

    Bowl of simple turkey chili with toppings.

    Why You Will Love This Quick and Simple Turkey Chili:

    1. It's thick and hearty. Don't give me a broth filled chili--that's called soup! If I wanted soup, I would have asked for it. No, chili needs to be super thick--use tomato sauce, tomato paste and all that goodness to keep it from being a bean and meat soup!
    2. It is ready in about 30 minutes. I love a full day, slow cooked chili recipe like my sweet potato or brisket chili. However, when you want chili fast--this simple turkey chili recipe is the one. Easy as browning the ground turkey and sauteing the veggies and then simmering everything else together for a bit.
    3. This chili is freezer friendly and great for meal prep. I find leftover chili to be even better than the actual day you cook it. So prep it one day and eat off of it for the week. Freeze individual servings or a bit container for when you don't have the energy to cook another night.
    Close up view of turkey chili topped with sour cream, green onion and cheese.

    Recipe Ingredients:

    1. ground turkey: I always use an 85% lean turkey. I don't think the super lean ground turkey is as flavorful.
    2. bell peppers: I use one red and one green. I am certain that any combo is just fine!
    3. onion: I used a yellow onion even though I typically prefer red onions in my chili. The husband is not a fan of red onions so I catered this one to his liking!
    4. diced tomatoes: I like to use no salt added diced tomatoes and sometimes opt for the fire roasted tomatoes to change it up a bit.
    5. tomato sauce: the stuff in the can, not marinara sauce
    6. kidney beans: dark kidney beans for me, but if you like light, by all means, enjoy them!
    7. pinto beans: I sometimes will switch these up and use black beans. Any combo of 3 cans of beans should work.
    8. cocoa powder: this is the special ingredient in this recipe. Make sure it is unsweetened or you may not be very pleased. If you are worried you won't like it, start small and add more. I promise the chili is not going to taste like straight up chocolate!
    9. salt/pepper
    10. spices
      • chili powder
      • cumin
      • paprika--if you have smoked paprika, I highly recommend it!
      • oregano
      • garlic powder
      • crushed red pepper

    What to Top Your Ground Turkey Chili With:

    • cornbread or cornbread casserole--crumble it up on top. yummmm.
    • avocado--try guacamole if you are feeling really spunky!
    • shredded cheese
    • green onions
    • sour cream or Greek Yogurt
    • jalapeños
    • crushed up tortilla chips or Fritos
    • hot sauce
    • cilantro

    What are some of your favorites??

    Simple turkey chili in white speckled bowl with spoons beside.

    Notes and Pro-Tips:

    • You can use beef or chicken if preferred. I know this is technically a turkey chili, but by all means, it will still taste great with another ground meat such as beef, bison or even chicken. Cater the recipe to what you have in the house and need to use up!
    • Some time saving tips: If you are a big meal prepper, you can chop all the veggies ahead of time for an even easier chili making experience or buy pre-chopped veggies at the grocery. Frozen veggies can work as well.
    • Storage tips: After cooking this and any chili really, I put it into individual freezer safe containers so that I can grab single servings on the go or at night when I am too exhausted to cook. You can store in any freezer safe container. The turkey chili will freeze well for up to 3 months. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days.

    Can You Make this Turkey Chili in the Crockpot?

    You most certainly can make this recipe in the crockpot and I do so often! You will just want to cook the ground turkey before adding it into the crockpot. You may sauté the peppers and onions if desired, but it's not necessary.

    Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours.

    Bowl of chili with cornbread muffins sitting behind it.

    Other Soup and Chili Recipes:

    • Pumpkin Quinoa Chili
    • Slow Cooker Brisket Chili
    • Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
    • Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Slow Cooker Sriracha Lime Chicken Chili
    • Butternut Squash Chili
    • Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

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    Simple Turkey Chili

    This quick and Simple Turkey Chili is made stovetop and in just 30 minutes! Full of peppers, beans, spices and one unique ingredient to really bring out the richness of flavor. An easy recipe to prepare for cozy cold night dinners!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 440kcal
    Author: Lorie Yarro

    Ingredients 

    • 1 lb ground turkey
    • 1 red bell pepper diced
    • 1 green pepper diced
    • Onion diced
    • 2 cans tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
    • 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz.)
    • 2 cans kidney beans (15.25 oz.)
    • 1 can pinto beans (15.25 oz.)
    • 3 T chili powder
    • 1 T cumin
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 3 - 4 teaspoon cocoa
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • Crushed red pepper to taste
    • olive oil

    Instructions

    • Heat a large pot to medium high. When hot, add 1 T olive oil. Add in peppers and onion and cook for several minutes or until the onions start to become translucent. Push veggies to the side of the pot. Add another drizzle of olive oil and add in ground turkey. Cook the turkey until browned. (about 5-7 minutes give or take)
    • When turkey is cooked, turn heat to medium low. Add in tomatoes (drain extra liquid before adding), tomato sauce, and beans (drained and rinsed) and stir to combine. Add in spices and stir. Cover and allow to cook for about 10 minutes stirring several times throughout.
    • Turn to simmer until ready to serve!
    • Enjoy with your favorite toppings and freeze or refrigerate leftovers.

    Notes

    • You can use beef or chicken if preferred. I know this is technically a turkey chili, but by all means, it will still taste great with another ground meat such as beef, bison or even chicken. Cater the recipe to what you have in the house and need to use up!
    • Some time saving tips: If you are a big meal prepper, you can chop all the veggies ahead of time for an even easier chili making experience or buy pre-chopped veggies at the grocery. Frozen veggies can work as well.
    • Storage tips: After cooking this and any chili really, I put it into individual freezer safe containers so that I can grab single servings on the go or at night when I am too exhausted to cook. You can store in any freezer safe container. The turkey chili will freeze well for up to 3 months. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 1568mg | Potassium: 2172mg | Fiber: 22g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 3155IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 11mg
    Did you try this recipe? I would love to see it! Mention @LemonsAndZest or tag #LemonsAndZest!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deanna says

      January 19, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      Hello -- what kind of tomato sauce and canned tomatoes do you recommend? Just not sure if you mean tomato sauce (like pasta sauce) or something else?

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        January 19, 2021 at 9:35 pm

        Great question! I will link the exact ones I use. Not pasta sauce, just plain old canned tomato sauce.

        https://www.kroger.com/p/kroger-tomato-sauce/0001111081657

        https://www.kroger.com/p/kroger-diced-tomatoes-in-tomato-juice/0001111081533

        Let me know if these links aren't working for you.

        Reply
    2. Barbara Ruether says

      March 05, 2020 at 8:53 pm

      HI:
      The Turkey Chili looks scrumptious. I am confused about the canned ingredients You give in oz.. I am not understanding the amounts for the beans and tomatoes.. Are you giving total ounces of beans and tomatoes or the sizes of the cans to use.? Meaning two 15.25 cans. or just a total of 15.25 oz beans.,Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        March 06, 2020 at 4:01 pm

        Hi! Great question. It is 2 cans of each. I will add that into the notes as that does come across a tad confusing. Thanks!

        Reply

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