Why You Will Love This Quick and Simple Turkey Chili:

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!

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.

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:

ground turkey: I always use an 85% lean turkey. I don't think the super lean ground turkey is as flavorful.

bell peppers: I use one red and one green. I am certain that any combo is just fine!

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!

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.

tomato sauce: the stuff in the can, not marinara sauce

kidney beans: dark kidney beans for me, but if you like light, by all means, enjoy them!

pinto beans: I sometimes will switch these up and use black beans. Any combo of 3 cans of beans should work.

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!

salt/pepper

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:

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