by Tara E. l January 11, 2024
As the winter winds whistle and the snow blankets the world in white, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of a rich turkey chili recipe to bring comfort and joy. And when it comes to chili, turkey chili stands out as a heart-healthy, protein-packed option that’s both satisfying and delicious. In this article, we’ll explore five mouth-watering turkey chili recipes perfect for those chilly days. These recipes are easy to follow, even for culinary beginners, and are guaranteed to bring a little humor and a lot of warmth to your kitchen. So, let’s get cooking and turn your winter blues into a feast of flavors!
Turkey Chili Recipes
When it comes to whipping up a hearty and healthy bowl of chili, many of us immediately think of ground beef as the go-to ingredient. But let’s talk turkey – literally! Turkey meat is emerging as a popular and healthier alternative for chili connoisseurs. Why, you ask? First off, turkey is a leaner meat, which means it’s lower in fat and calories than traditional beef, helping you keep those winter pounds at bay. But don’t worry, ‘leaner’ doesn’t mean ‘less flavorful.’ Turkey absorbs spices and herbs wonderfully, ensuring that each spoonful of your chili is flavorful. Plus, it’s high in essential nutrients like protein, B vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a well-balanced diet.
Whether you’re watching your waistline or simply aiming to eat healthier, switching to turkey in your chili recipes is a smart and tasty choice. So next time you’re simmering a pot of chili on a snowy day, remember that turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving – it’s a year-round superstar for nutritious and delicious meals!
Recommended Pots for Preparing Turkey Chili
For preparing delicious turkey chili, here are five highly recommended pots, each offering unique features to enhance your cooking experience.
Tramontina 12 Quart
The Tramontina 12 Quart pot, with its 18/10 stainless steel tri-ply base construction, offers durability and efficient heat distribution. It’s also oven-safe up to 500°F and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for cooking and cleaning. However, it is on the heavier side.
Cuisinart Chili Pot 650-26CP 5 Quart
A sturdy pot made of aluminum, the Cuisinart 650-26CP 5 Quart Chili Pot features a nonstick interior and a drip-free pouring design. The lid fits tightly, ensuring efficient cooking, and the pot is BPA-free for safety. It is also lightweight, but be cautious, as abrasive scrub pads can leave marks.
Calphalon 3.5 Quart
Ideal for smaller batches of chili, the Cephalon 3.5 Quart Pot has a tempered glass lid, a PFOA-free nonstick surface, and is made from hard-anodized aluminum. It’s oven-safe up to 450 degrees and dishwasher-safe. However, it is more expensive than some other options.
Cook n Home 10.5 Quart
The Cook n Home 10.5 Quart Pot is a larger pot, great for big batches, made of thick gauge aluminum with a nonstick lining and silicone handles. It includes a tempered glass lid and is oven-safe up to 350°F. The silicone handles can be problematic if you need to maneuver the pot frequently.
Farberware 10.5 Quart
The Farberware 10.5 Quart Pot is a large, sturdy pot suitable for making substantial quantities of chili. It features a nonstick interior, making it easy to clean, and comes with a tight-fitting lid to retain heat and flavor.
Each of these pots has its own advantages, whether you’re cooking a small or large batch of chili. When choosing a pot, consider factors like material, size, and additional features like nonstick surfaces and oven safety. These pots are available on Amazon, and you can find more details and purchase them there.
Classic Turkey Chili
Enough babbling about the pros of healthy meat and pots to cook it in! Let’s get into the meat of this article. This turkey chili recipe is a traditional take on turkey chili. It includes ground turkey, kidney beans, tomatoes, and classic chili spices. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for a beginner chef. Who said classics are boring? This chili is like your favorite old sweater: reliable, comforting, and always in style.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Preparation:
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground turkey, cooking until browned.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Spicy Turkey Chili
For those who like a little extra heat, this spicy turkey chili recipe packs a punch. It features a mix of jalapeños, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, along with ground turkey and beans.
Warning: This chili might just melt the snow outside your window!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 2 jalapeños, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Preparation:
- In a pot, cook onion, garlic, and jalapeños until soft.
- Add ground turkey, cook until no longer pink.
- Mix in black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and salt.
- Add broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months.
White Turkey Chili
A unique twist on the classic, this white turkey chili recipe uses white beans, ground turkey, and green chilies, offering a lighter but equally delicious version. Ever seen a chili that reminds you of a winter wonderland? Well, now you will!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
Preparation:
- In a pot, cook onion and garlic until soft.
- Add turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in beans, green chilies, cumin, oregano, and cayenne.
- Add broth, simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in sour cream.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (due to sour cream).
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Perfect for busy days, this turkey chili recipe lets the slow cooker do all the work. It combines ground turkey with various beans, vegetables, and spices, simmering to perfection over several hours. Let the slow cooker be your personal chef for the day – just don’t let it brag about the cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Preparation:
- In a skillet, brown the turkey with onion and garlic.
- Transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Sweet and Smoky Turkey Chili
This recipe adds a sweet twist with the inclusion of sweet potatoes and a touch of honey, balanced with smoky spices. Sweet and smoky – because your chili should be as complex and interesting as you are!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Preparation:
- In a pot, cook onion, garlic, and sweet potato until slightly soft.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, smoked paprika, honey, and salt.
- Add broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 35-40 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Containers
With each recipe, we provide an idea of how long you can store your chili in the refrigerator and freezer. However, if you are unsure what to store your chili in to help keep it fresh and tasty, there is no need to worry. We have you covered.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Deep Storage Containers:
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Deep Storage Plastic Containers are microwave and dishwasher-safe, lightweight, and stackable for compact storage. However, they are not oven-safe.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers are leakproof, airtight plastic containers that are stackable and have lid vents for microwave use. The latches could be more durable.
Amazon Basics Glass Locking Lids Food Storage
Amazon Basics Glass Locking Lids Food Storage offers a set of 10 glass containers in various shapes and sizes. These containers are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, but the lids should be placed on the top rack only.
Vremi Silicone Food Storage Containers
Vremi Silicone Food Storage Containers are collapsible silicone containers that are durable and nonstick, making them great for compact storage. They are not oven-safe and have a smaller size.
SPLF 6 Pack BPA FREE Reusable Gallon Freezer Bags
SPLF 6 Pack BPA FREE Reusable Gallon Freezer Bags are not traditional containers. However, these reusable gallon freezer bags are leakproof and great for storing liquids, but they are neither oven or microwave-safe.
These options offer unique features that can cater to different needs, whether you prioritize durability, compact storage, or versatility in use. You can find these products on Amazon to choose the one that best suits your requirements for freezing chili.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our culinary journey, remember that each bowl of turkey chili is not just a meal. It’s an experience – one that warms the heart and tickles the taste buds. Whether you prefer the classic comfort of traditional chili or the daring kick of a spicy version, these turkey chili recipes are sure to make your winter days a little brighter and a lot tastier. So, don your apron, grab your spoon, and let the chili adventure begin!