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When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili to comfort and satisfy you. And if you’re looking for a healthy and easy recipe, then turkey chili is the perfect choice. With just a few ingredients and a large pot or Dutch oven, you can have a flavorful and filling meal for days. In this post, we’ll share with you our favorite turkey chili recipe, highlighting ground cumin as one of the key ingredients, and some tips on how to customize it to your liking.
Chili is Comfort Food for Cold Winter Nights
Seriously - making this turkey chili recipe is as easy as adding all the ingredients to a pot. Once you’ve got the chili simmering, if you have the time, it’s time to make the southern cornbread recipe. That starts by preheating your oven to 425°F.
To start with, let's take a look at the ingredients that you'll need to make this delicious turkey chili. Firstly, you'll need some lean ground turkey. Ground turkey is a great choice for chili because it's lean and high in protein. You'll also need some bell peppers, onion, garlic, and olive oil to give the chili its base flavor.
Next, to give the chili some texture and richness, you'll add in some diced tomatoes and three types of beans - black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. You can use both light and dark kidney beans for a variety of colors and tastes. To make it spicier, we add some green chilis and crushed red pepper flakes. For that nice chili flavor, use chili powder and ground cumin.
Now, for a little sweetness to balance the heat, you'll add Bee Inspired Eastern Shore Honey. Any of these artisanal/varietal honey may be infused with spicy peppers that give it a unique and delicious flavor. You'll need about a tablespoon of honey to get the perfect sweet and spicy combo. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and add some cilantro for freshness.
To cook the chili, simply add all the ingredients to a large pot with a lid or Dutch oven and set it to low for six to eight hours. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful it will be. You can also make this with a slow cooker for 8 hours on low heat if you need to leave the house. Either way, your house will smell amazing!
When it's time to serve, you can get creative with your toppings. We recommend avocado, sliced scallions or green onions, fresh tomato, more cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also make some Southern Cornbread on the side to soak up all the delicious chili sauce.
You'll Need More than Just Chili Powder
- Lean ground turkey
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Diced tomatoes
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Green chilis
- Chicken broth
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Cilantro (fresh or dried)
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- BBQ sauce
These ingredients come together beautifully in a Dutch oven! Or, slow cooking can make your life easier. If you prep all of your ingredients the night before, you could quickly follow these steps before work, set the slow cooker to low and when you get home from work, it will be ready.
How to Make Spicy Turkey Chili
One: Rinse the Beans
Rinse the beans in baking soda and water very well. This will help keep people from getting gassy after eating your spicy turkey chili!
Two: Brown the Turkey
Brown the ground turkey in a sauté pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This will give your turkey chili a rich, savory base.
Three: Sauté
Once the turkey is browned, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to a separate large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes, to build layers of flavor.
Four: Add Ingredients
Add the drained and cooked ground turkey, the chili powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add the beans, veggies, and tomatoes to the pot and stir well. Add chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Stir well.
Five: Cover & Cook
Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the pot with a lid. Let cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it cook, the more flavor it will have.
Six: Serve
Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, and other tex mex toppings for a delightful finish.
Adapting our Turkey Chili
Any recipe does not reach true perfection until you’ve added your own touch to it. At Bee Inspired Honey House, we encourage you to play with your food. Change up this recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Not a huge fan of turkey? Use ground beef instead.
- If you’re vegetarian, skip the turkey and add some kale. A cup of mixed beans is the protein, and the tomatoes, peppers, onion, herbs, and honey are packed with loads of antioxidants and vitamins. You won’t miss the meat. Consider using Great Northern beans for a different flavor.
- Replace peppers with organic yellow corn.
- Adjust your level of chili powder based on how spicy you want it.
- Try using tomato paste or crushed tomatoes to thicken the texture.
Spice Level and Bean Options
This turkey chili recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Here are some options to adjust the spice level and bean selection:
- For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use only one type of bean, such as kidney beans or black beans. This will keep the chili flavorful without too much heat.
- For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or use hot sauce to taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the pot for an extra kick.
- To change up the bean selection, try using Great Northern beans, or cannellini beans instead of kidney beans and black beans. Each type of bean will bring a unique texture and flavor to your chili.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the ground turkey and add more beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. This will create a hearty and satisfying chili without the meat.
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Serving Turkey Chili
Chili is one of the easiest meals to make where you can be most inventive! When you prepare your meal, make bowls of sliced avocado, diced red and spring onions, chopped cilantro, grated cheese, jalapeños, sour cream chopped tomatoes or anything else that makes this eating experience a smorgasbord for your guests.
Try serving this chili on steamed brown rice, a baked potato, sweet potato or bowl of roasted squash.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey chili is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips. These toppings add a delightful crunch and creaminess to each bite.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and cilantro, to let everyone customize their own bowl. This makes for a fun and interactive meal.
- Serve the chili over rice, with a side of cornbread or crusty bread, for a filling and comforting meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious chili sauce.
- Use the chili as a filling for tacos or baked potatoes, topped with your favorite toppings. This is a great way to enjoy the chili in a new and exciting way.
Storage and Reheating
This turkey chili recipe makes a large batch that can be stored and reheated for later use. Here are some storage and reheating tips:
- Cool the chili to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use. This ensures the chili stays fresh and flavorful.
- Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Proper storage will keep the chili safe to eat and maintain its taste.
- Reheat the chili in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker until it’s hot and steaming. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick and delicious meal.
- Add a splash of water or broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage. This will help restore the chili to its original consistency.
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Tips and Nutrition
Here are some tips and nutrition information to keep in mind when making this turkey chili recipe:
- Use lean ground turkey to reduce the fat content of the chili. This makes the chili a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Choose low-sodium broth and tomatoes to reduce the salt content of the chili. This helps keep the chili heart-healthy.
- Add plenty of vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density of the chili. These veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Serve the chili with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to round out the meal. This adds a satisfying crunch and complements the chili perfectly.
- This chili recipe is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C. It’s a nutritious and balanced meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to help you make the best turkey chili ever:
- Use a variety of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika, to add depth and complexity to the chili. These spices work together to create a rich and flavorful dish.
- Don’t overcook the chili, as it can become dry and tough. Simmer it for 20-30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened slightly.
- Use a slow cooker to make the chili, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to cook slowly and evenly. This method is perfect for busy days when you want a hands-off approach.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or Great Northern beans, to change up the flavor and texture of the chili. Each type of bean brings its own unique qualities to the dish.
- Add a splash of tomato paste to the chili for added depth and richness. This simple addition can elevate the overall flavor of the chili.
By following these tips and instructions, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying turkey chili that will warm you up on even the coldest days. Enjoy!
Make This Spicy Turkey Chili Recipe Today
Turkey chili is one of the best meals to make on a cold day. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking method, it's a perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. And by using Bee Inspired Honey, you can add a touch of sweetness and spice that will take your chili to the next level. So, go ahead and try this recipe today and let us know how you like it! If you decide to make our Easy Turkey Chili, or better yet, your very own take, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos! Are you a chili recipe lover? We are too! Make sure to also check out our White Chicken Chili recipe for a different take on this classic dish. If you prefer vegan chili recipes, you are in luck with our Sweet and Spicy Chili with Beer.
This recipe was updated on October 28, 2024.
Interested in more chili recipes? This sweet potato chili recipe omits meat and is perfect for vegetarians. More of a beef person instead of turkey? This sweet and spicy chili is made with beer and is sure to be your new favorite comfort food.
