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- 1 lb ground turkey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 2 medium carrots, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed The main ingredients bring a mix of taste and nutrition. The ground turkey is lean and full of protein. Olive oil adds healthy fats. The diced vegetables bring flavors and colors, making the chili look great. - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper, to taste The spices are the heart of this chili. Chili powder gives it that classic flavor. Ground cumin adds warmth and depth. Smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness. Cayenne pepper adds the heat, which you can change based on your taste. - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Sour cream or Greek yogurt - Shredded cheese Garnishes add fun and flavor. Fresh cilantro makes the dish feel bright. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt cools down the heat. Shredded cheese adds creaminess and richness. You can mix and match these to your liking. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes. You want it to become clear. Then, add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from burning. Now, add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is brown, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the meat is cooked through and no longer pink. After cooking the turkey, it's time to add flavor. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices. This step brings out their full flavor. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything well. Then, add the chicken or vegetable broth. This will keep your chili moist and tasty. Now, mix in the kidney beans and black beans. Drain and rinse them first. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir it occasionally. This lets the flavors mix and the chili thicken. After simmering, taste the chili. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more cayenne for heat or salt for flavor. Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy the cozy warmth of your spicy turkey chili! To control the heat, you can modify the cayenne pepper. Start with less than half a teaspoon. Taste the chili and add more if you need it spicier. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. This gives your chili a fresh, zesty kick. If you can’t find ground turkey, you can use ground chicken or beef. Both will work well in this recipe. Another option is to use a pressure cooker. This method cooks the chili faster while keeping it moist and flavorful. Pair your chili with cornbread or rice for a filling meal. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. For toppings, fresh cilantro adds brightness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt cools the heat. Shredded cheese brings richness to each bite. Pro Tips Spice Control: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more as needed. Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of brown sugar while simmering. Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in other veggies like zucchini or corn for added nutrition and texture. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian chili by swapping turkey for plant-based protein. Try using lentils or crumbled tofu. These options provide texture and protein. For beans, you can use chickpeas or pinto beans instead of kidney and black beans. Add more veggies like zucchini or corn for extra flavor. If you want a low-carb chili, you can skip the beans. Use cauliflower instead for a hearty base. For gluten-free chili, check your spices and broth. Most chili powders and broths are gluten-free, but always read labels. To boost the flavors, add spices like oregano or coriander. A splash of hot sauce can bring a nice kick. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables, like bell peppers in summer or squash in fall. These additions keep your chili fresh and interesting. To store leftover chili, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chili fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Best practices for cooling include spreading the chili in a shallow dish. This speeds up cooling time. You can also stir it occasionally to help release heat. For long-term storage, freezing is great. After cooling, pour the chili into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw the chili in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quicker thawing. Reheat in a pot over low heat until hot. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly. Chili lasts in the fridge for about four days. After that, it can spoil. Signs of spoilage include off smells, mold, or changes in color. If you see any of these, it’s best to throw the chili away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. You can swap ground turkey for several options. Here are some ideas: - Ground chicken - Lean beef - Pork - Plant-based meat substitutes, like lentils or tofu - Chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture These alternatives can give your chili a new twist. Each option brings its own flavor. To thicken your chili, try these tips: - Simmer it longer to reduce liquid. - Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. - Stir in mashed beans or pureed beans for more texture. - Use less broth when cooking if you want it thicker from the start. Each method helps create a rich, hearty chili. Yes, preparing chili in advance is a great idea. Here are some benefits: - Flavors deepen and improve over time. - It saves time on busy days. - Chili freezes well for future meals. Make a big batch, store it, and enjoy cozy nights anytime! This blog post explored making a flavorful chili. We covered key ingredients, like ground turkey and spices, plus preparation steps. I shared tips for adjusting heat and storage advice to keep it fresh. Remember, chili is flexible; you can make vegetarian versions or try different seasonings. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, you can create your perfect bowl. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of chili anytime!

Spicy Turkey Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili made with ground turkey, beans, and spices, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
  • to taste Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Add the kidney beans and black beans, mixing thoroughly.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more cayenne for heat or salt to enhance flavors.
  • Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired heat level.
Keyword beans, chili, comfort food, spicy, turkey