Description
This Award Winning Turkey Chili recipe features lean ground turkey simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, beans, and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly balanced with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne, this hearty chili is topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and cheddar cheese for extra flavor. A delicious, comforting meal ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Toppings
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for cooking the ingredients evenly.
- Warm olive oil: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and let it warm up to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Cook onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant to build flavor.
- Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the cooked turkey and stir well to coat the meat with spices.
- Add liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth; stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add beans: Mix in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans evenly into the chili mixture.
- Incorporate flavor enhancers: Stir in brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Bring to simmer: Increase heat to medium and bring the chili to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Simmer uncovered: Reduce heat to low and let the chili cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow thickening.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed for salt and spice balance.
- Add cilantro: Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro to add a bright and fresh flavor note.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for richness and creaminess.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- To make this chili gluten-free, ensure the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free.
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the chili healthier and lower in fat.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
