Not the Usual Turkey Chili
Elevate your chili game with "Not the Usual Turkey Chili," a bold and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. This hearty recipe swaps traditional beef for lean ground turkey, delivering a lighter option without compromising richness. Packed with protein from black and kidney beans, and seasoned with a unique blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a surprising touch of unsweetened cocoa powder, every bite is layered with smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors. Fresh diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic bring a fragrant depth to the dish, while a splash of low-sodium chicken broth ensures a satisfying, stew-like consistency. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it piping hot and customized with toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheddar for a personalized finish. This easy turkey chili recipe is destined to become your next pantry-friendly favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- to taste sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
- to taste shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2226 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.8 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.1 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 367 mg | 122% | |
| Sodium | 5120 mg | 223% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 225.0 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 69.5 g | 248% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.0 g | ||
| Protein | 155.1 g | 310% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 796 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 32.3 mg | 179% | |
| Potassium | 4960 mg | 106% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
