This easy turkey chili recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner—quick to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a cozy and comforting meal the whole family will love. Ideal for meal prep or chilly evenings!
Ever have those days where you want something cozy but also need it to come together without a ton of fuss? Same. That’s why this turkey chili is a must-have in my weeknight rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve put in a ton of effort, but it all comes together with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
I actually came up with this recipe on a whim one cold, rainy evening when my toddlers were clamoring for something comforting. I wanted to create a dish that was hearty but still leaned on the healthier side. Swapping out ground beef for turkey was a game-changer—not just for lightening it up, but for adding a new, rich flavor profile that pairs so well with the warm spices in this chili.
Why I Love This Recipe:
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning meals during the week, but this turkey chili hits all the marks: it’s quick, delicious, and can be made ahead of time. Bonus? It tastes even better the next day! I usually double up on this recipe and stash half of it in the freezer. There’s nothing like having a homemade meal ready to go when life gets hectic.
Another reason this chili is on repeat in my kitchen is its versatility. You can serve it a bunch of different ways depending on what you’re craving. Ladle it over a baked sweet potato, spoon it over rice, or just enjoy it with some crusty bread and a generous sprinkle of cheese. My personal favorite? A big bowl with all the fixings—cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime. It’s like a cozy, edible hug.
Easy Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small white onion chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb ground turkey meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil or any cooking oil of choice
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp adobo
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp smoky chipotle Tabasco *optional
- 1 can black beans with the liquid
- 1 can vegetarian baked beans with the liquid
- 1 cup of water or vegetable broth
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Toppings like cheese scallion, sour cream as desired
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped white onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey:Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground turkey meat. Cook the turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Meat:Sprinkle in the cumin, adobo, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly in the seasonings. If using, add the smoky chipotle Tabasco sauce for extra heat and smokiness.
- Combine the Beans:Pour in the can of black beans (including the liquid) and the can of vegetarian baked beans (with liquid). Stir to combine.
- Add Liquid & Simmer:Pour in 1 cup of water or vegetable broth. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste & Adjust:After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
- Serve & Top:Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite fixings, like shredded cheese, chopped scallions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Perfect for Family Dinner or Meal Prep
If your week is anything like mine, you’re always balancing a million things at once. That’s why I’m a huge fan of recipes that do double duty. This turkey chili fits the bill because not only does it feed the family for dinner, but it’s also a lifesaver for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, so I’ll pack it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
The best part? It’s mild enough for picky eaters (my three-year-old will actually eat a bowl!) but still has enough flavor to keep adults coming back for more. If you want to amp up the spice, just add a few extra dashes of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño. Customizing it to your liking is super easy.
Let’s Make It Together!
I know how hard it can be to find recipes that strike the right balance between simple and satisfying. I’ve got you covered! If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your take on it. Snap a picture and tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out.
And if you’re looking for more easy, weeknight dinner ideas, be sure to check out my other recipes on the blog or follow along on YouTube where I break down step-by-step videos for busy home cooks.
Happy cooking!
