Thick and Hearty Turkey Chili – tender lean ground turkey with crushed tomatoes, spices, black beans, and kidney beans. This turkey chili is thickened with masa flour for a hearty texture that adds a touch of sweetness.
Thick and Hearty Turkey Chili
A thick and rich flavor-packed turkey chili that is easy to make and is perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with protein and fiber and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. I love making chili with ground turkey because it’s naturally tender and has such a great texture. To thicken this chili and add another flavor dimension, try using masa flour. You’ll love it in your soups and chilis!
Ingredients for Turkey Chili
- Olive Oil: A healthy cooking oil that adds flavor. Any neutral oil can be used.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that add depth of flavor.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: Spices that give the chili its signature flavor.
- Ground Turkey: A lean protein source that is naturally tender and doesn’t require a long simmer. If you want to substitute ground beef, use 93/7 ground beef.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and flavor to the chili.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Provides acidity and a tomato base for the chili.
- Black Beans and Kidney Beans: Provide protein, fiber, and a hearty texture. You can use any canned bean that you prefer in your chili. I like the combination of black beans and kidney beans.
- Masa Flour: A corn flour that thickens the chili and gives it a slightly chewy texture. Maseca brand corn flour is recommended.
- Fresh Cilantro
How to Make Turkey Chili
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add chili powder and cumin and cook briefly.
- Cook the Turkey: Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Combine Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and beans to the pot with the turkey. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Thicken the Chili: In a small bowl, whisk together masa flour and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Add this mixture to the chili and simmer until thickened.
Favorite Turkey Chili Toppings
- Chips – tortilla chips or corn chips.
- Spice – add fresh or pickled jalapeño.
- Onions – add finely diced red, white onion, or green onions.
- Cheese – top with shredded sharp cheddar, Colby-jack, or queso fresco.
- Sour Cream
- Avocado
- Hot Sauce – for adding extra spice!
More Dinner Ideas
- Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
- One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
- Chicken Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli
Thick and Hearty Turkey Chili
Servings: 6
Calories: 489kcal
Equipment
- 4 quart or larger skillet or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 pounds ground turkey 93/7
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth divided
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes canned
- 15 oz can of black beans drained
- 15.5 oz can of kidney beans drained
- 1/4 cup masa flour Maseca recommended
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil to medium heat and sauté onions until they start to soften. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir in chili powder and cumin and let spices sauté for about a minute to bloom the flavors.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add turkey, breaking up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, tomatoes, and beans. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer covered for about 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, stir together masa flour and 1/2 cup of chicken broth until smooth. Add masa mixture to turkey chili and let simmer until thickened. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and your favorite chili toppings.
Nutrition
Serving: 6g | Calories: 489kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 1093mg | Potassium: 1551mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1134IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 8mg
5 Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
My five FAVORITE recipes for busy families!
- Quick to make
- Light on your budget
- Easy to clean-up
- and...most important...absolutely DELICIOUS
This chili is so good! I love how hearty it is and using turkey really cuts down on the saturated fat.
The lean ground turkey and mix of black and kidney beans make it feel hearty yet healthy, while the crushed tomatoes and spices give it a rich, bold flavor.
This turkey chili was exactly what I needed on a chilly night! It was so hearty and filling, with the perfect amount of spices. I love that it’s a bit lighter than traditional beef chili but still packed with flavor.
VERY good turkey chili recipe! We added hot sauce and a bit of cayenne pepper to make it a little spicy.
This was so good! I already love turkey chili, but this one has to be the best yet!
This is such a comforting meal, so hearty and a great way to warm up.