This Turkey and Bean Chili is a warm, hearty dish made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices. It’s perfect for a filling meal that’s easy to make and tastes great any night of the week.
I like to add a little extra chili powder for more heat. Sometimes I toss in a dash of hot sauce just to make it spicy enough for my taste!
Serving it with some grated cheese or a side of bread makes it even better. It’s a simple dinner that I can make in one pot—less cleanup, more time to relax.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I love using lean ground turkey for this chili. It keeps it healthy and light. If you prefer, ground chicken or beef works well, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Bean Mix: I use canned black beans and kidney beans for convenience, but dried beans pre-soaked and cooked add extra flavor. Feel free to swap in pinto or chickpeas for a different twist.
Chili Powder: This spice brings the classic chili flavor. I recommend using a mild chili powder if you’re not into heat. Smoked paprika is a tasty substitute for a smoky flavor.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the base flavor. Fresh garlic and onion are best, but garlic powder or onion powder can save time if needed.
Tomatoes: I prefer crushed canned tomatoes for easy texture. Diced tomatoes work too. Rotel with green chilies can add a little kick if you like some spice.
How do I keep my chili from sticking or burning?
Use a heavy-bottomed pot and keep the heat medium or lower to prevent sticking. Stir often, especially as it begins to simmer. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the bottom and keep everything evenly cooking.
- Start with a hot pan, then add oil and aromatics. Keep stirring to avoid sticking early on.
- After adding ingredients, bring to a gentle simmer instead of high heat.
- If you see sticking or bits browning too much, adjust heat and add a little liquid to deglaze the pan.
How to Make Turkey and Bean Chili?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat & Beans
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Spices
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
10 minutes prep + 30 minutes cooking = 40 minutes total
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the turkey
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Add ground turkey. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it apart as it cooks.
2. Sauté the vegetables
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking.
3. Add spices and tomatoes
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika. Cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes and mix well.
4. Combine beans and simmer
Add black beans and kidney beans. Stir everything together. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve the chili
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings if desired.
