If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines lean ground turkey with vibrant vegetables, savory spices, and creamy beans, all simmered together to create a rich, satisfying chili that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dish to impress family and friends, this chili hits all the right notes — from its delicious aroma to its colorful, hearty texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a black cooking pot filled with three main layers: the bottom layer of small, light beige cooked ground meat crumbles, mixed throughout with bright white chopped onion pieces, and vibrant green chopped bell pepper chunks scattered evenly in the pot. The textures show the soft meat with some graininess, firm onion pieces, and fresh, slightly shiny bell peppers. The pot rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s great about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that classic chili flavor and wonderful texture. From the fresh crunch of bell pepper to the cozy warmth of chili powder, every item makes this dish shine.

1 small white onion peeled and finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 green bell pepper seeded and finely chopped: Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Packs a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein star of the dish, hearty yet light.
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: Gives the chili its rich, tangy base.
1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and fiber.
1 15-ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Brings a softer texture, balancing the beans.
1 15-ounce can corn, drained and rinsed: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
3 tablespoons chili powder: The bold spice blend that defines the chili’s flavor.
1 teaspoon oregano: Lends an earthy, herbaceous note.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory depth along with the fresh garlic.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Amplifies the onion’s sweetness in every bite.
½ teaspoon cumin: Adds that signature smoky warmth.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
32 ounces broth of your choice: Whether turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable, the broth brings everything together and adds richness.

How to Make Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with just a drizzle of oil. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spoon, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through. Browning creates that lovely caramelized flavor and ensures your turkey chili won’t be bland.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, stir in the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant — this stage is crucial because it builds the foundation of your chili’s fresh and hearty taste.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Now, it’s time to introduce the chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Stir these in well so the turkey and vegetables are fully coated with the spices. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the drained kidney beans, white beans, and corn, stirring everything together to combine all those enticing flavors.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in your chosen broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let the chili cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer melds all the ingredients beautifully, thickening the chili and intensifying the flavors.

Step 5: Final Seasoning Check

Before serving, always taste your chili and adjust the seasoning. You might want to add a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a sprinkle of extra chili powder if you like it spicier. This step personalizes your Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe exactly to your liking.

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

A pot filled with thick red soup that has many ingredients mixed together. The soup has small pieces of green peppers, yellow corn kernels, white and red beans, and bits of cooked meat spread evenly in the liquid. The red base looks rich and slightly glossy, with some small chunks of onions visible. The pot is silver with handles on the sides, and it sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes turn a simple bowl of chili into a feast for the senses. Consider topping your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chopped cilantro, or diced avocado for creaminess and a fresh bite. A squeeze of lime brightens the whole dish, too!

Side Dishes

What pairs well with chili? Cornbread is a classic that soaks up the juices beautifully. You can also serve it alongside warm tortillas, steamed rice, or a mixed green salad to balance the richness of the chili. Each side adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this chili over baked sweet potatoes for a nutrient-packed meal, or turn it into a chili cheese dip served with tortilla chips for game night. Using hollowed-out bell peppers as edible bowls is another charming way to present your Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. Each reheated serving tastes just as comforting as when freshly made.

Freezing

Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe freezes beautifully, making it fantastic for meal planning. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for those busy days when cooking feels overwhelming.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly warm your chili and preserve its hearty texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans in this chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap kidney beans and white beans for black beans or pinto beans. Each variety will bring its own unique texture and flavor, so experiment to find your favorite combination.

Is ground turkey really a good substitute for beef in chili?

Yes, ground turkey offers a leaner, healthier alternative to beef without sacrificing flavor when paired with the right spices and ingredients. It provides protein with less fat, making your chili lighter but still satisfying.

How spicy is this Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe?

This chili has a mild to moderate heat level due to the chili powder, which can be adjusted to taste. If you prefer more kick, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to increase the heat.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours for a hands-off approach to a flavorful meal.

What’s the best ground turkey to use for chili?

Opting for 93/7 ground turkey is ideal because it has enough fat to keep the chili moist and flavorful without being greasy. Using 99% lean turkey breast can make the chili dry unless you add extra oil or broth.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes you’ll find yourself turning to time and time again. It’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable — exactly what you want from a chili. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and enjoy the warm, cozy goodness of this vibrant chili that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.