Hearty Turkey Chili

This turkey chili is thick and full of flavor, with ground turkey, two kinds of beans, peppers and crushed tomatoes simmered with chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika.

Ground turkey is often priced below ground beef, and two cans of beans make the pot go further. One batch gives six big servings, with leftovers that freeze well.

It’s ready in about 50 minutes and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients and Swaps

• Ground turkey: 93% lean has enough fat to stay moist. Ground chicken or beef also work.
• Beans: Kidney and black beans. Pinto or white beans are fine.
• Vegetables: Onion, bell pepper and garlic.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano.

Tips for Flavorful Turkey Chili

• Brown the turkey. Turkey is mild, so let it get some color.
• Cook the tomato paste and spices. A minute or two in the pot before the liquid goes in makes a noticeable difference.
• Simmer partly covered. It thickens without drying out.
• Season generously. Turkey chili usually needs more salt than you expect. Taste at the end.
• Finish with acid. A squeeze of lime or a splash of vinegar brightens it.

Prices are from Walmart’s and ALDI’s websites for stores in Columbus, Ohio, checked in October 2026. Ohio’s grocery prices are within about 1% of the national average, so you may pay more or less depending on where you live, and prices change often. Here’s how we price our recipes.

Cost: Ingredients – $8.66 from Walmart, $8.78 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.44 to $1.46

Pin It

Hearty Turkey Chili

A lean, protein-packed chili made with ground turkey, two kinds of beans, and bold smoky spices. Made in one pot and perfect for the freezer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1¼ pounds ground turkey
• 1 large onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beans, and broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Add a diced jalapeño or ¼ teaspoon cayenne for more heat.
• Stir in 1 cup frozen corn during the last 10 minutes.
• Slow cooker: brown the turkey, then cook everything on low for 6–8 hours.
• Ground chicken or lean beef also work.

Toppings and Sides

Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, green onions and tortilla chips, with Cornbread on the side. For a meatless chili, see Cozy Lentil and Vegetable Chili.

Storage and Freezing

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s thick.
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Turkey Chili Questions

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the turkey with the onion and pepper, then cook everything on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a diced jalapeño with the onion or ¼ teaspoon of cayenne with the spices.