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This quick and Simple Turkey Chili recipeis 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!

Overhead view of bowl of simple turkey chili topped with cilantro, avocado, corn chips and cheese.
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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 Ground 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? If you are a chili fan, try this brisket chili, sweet potato chili or make an Instant Pot turkey chili for even quicker dinner!

Why You Will Love Simple Ground 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.
Large pot with turkey chili and wooden spoon topped with freshly chopped onion and cilantro.

Recipe Ingredients:

  1. ground turkey: I always use an 85% lean turkey so it has a touch more fat than other ground turkey options. I don’t think the super lean ground turkey is as flavorful and can become dry.
  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??

Bowl with chili topped with jalapeño, onion, avocado, cheese, etc.

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 with chili and spoonful with ground turkey, beans and peppers.

Other Soup and Chili Recipes:

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5 from 2 votes

Simple Turkey Chili

By: Lorie Yarro
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!
Red dutch oven with ground turkey chili topped with red onion, green onion and cilantro with wooden spoon sitting in pot.
Print
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

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 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3 – 4 tsp cocoa
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Crushed red pepper to taste
  • olive oil
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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

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question?Leave a comment below!

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4 Comments

  1. Deanna says:

    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
  2. Barbara Ruether says:

    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
    1. Lorie says:

      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