Turkey Chili with Beans (Printable Version)

Savory turkey and black bean chili simmered with spices and vegetables for a warm meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

→ Legumes

08 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Spices & Pantry

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
16 - 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
17 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Garnishes (optional)

18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Diced avocado
21 - Lime wedges

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
04 - Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the spices' aroma.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, black beans, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to thicken, if desired.
08 - Serve hot, topped with optional cilantro, green onions, avocado, or lime wedges to taste.

# Tips from hearthlykitchen:

01 -
  • It comes together in about an hour, but tastes like it simmered all day.
  • The turkey stays tender and the beans add a creamy richness without any dairy at all.
  • Leftovers actually get better overnight, which means less work tomorrow.
02 -
  • Do not skip blooming the spices in step four, that one minute transforms them from dusty powder into fragrant magic.
  • If your chili tastes flat at the end, a pinch of salt or a splash of lime juice usually fixes it instantly.
03 -
  • Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot after browning the turkey, those bits are pure flavor.
  • Let the chili rest off the heat for five minutes before serving, it gives the flavors one last chance to meld together.

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