Ground turkey chili that’s shockingly-flavorful, thick, and brimming with spices and healthy beans. This easy recipe is fast, weeknight‑friendly and always a 10/10 hit with the family.
I’m obsessed with easy ground turkey recipes. If you love my super-popular beef chili con carne, you’ll love this! You must also try my white bean turkey chili for a creamy version.
Ground Turkey Chili Ingredients
Ground Turkey Chili Ingredients
• Lean ground turkey – Lean and mild, it browns quickly and takes on the rich chili flavors. (Readers also love my turkey burger recipe, moist turkey meatloaf and ground turkey soup!)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chili powder (store-bought or homemade chili seasoning spice blend with cayenne pepper, oregano and cumin)
• Smoked paprika – Optional, but adds a nice flavor.
• Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. You can use diced tomatoes if you like more texture in the sauce.
• Beans: You can use cannellini beans, pinto beans, classic kidney beans or even chickpeas (as I did this time)
• Water or chicken broth – Loosens the chili and helps it simmer evenly.
Variations and Substitutions
• Swap the beans – Kidney or black beans work great instead of white beans or chickpeas.
• Make it spicier – Add cayenne or diced jalapeño for heat.
• Use ground chicken – A simple 1:1 swap for turkey. Check out my healthy ground chicken recipes, too!
• Boost the veggies – Add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and texture.
Full recipe quantities listed in recipe card at the bottom of the article.
How to Make Ground Turkey Chili: An Easy Guide
This is a speedy stovetop recipe. Try my Turkey Chili Crockpot recipe and Instant Pot Turkey Chili recipe, too, for more options!
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and 1 tsp salt. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until no longer pink.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Add chopped onion to the turkey and cook until softened, 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle in chili powder and smoked paprika, stirring for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the tomato puree, drained beans, and ½ cup water or broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors come together. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
For similar vibes, try my Green Chicken Chili or White Chicken Chili or Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, too!
5 Common Mistakes When Making Ground Turkey Chili
Here are the most frequent mix-ups to avoid when making ground turkey chili:
- Overcooking the turkey – Ground turkey dries out quickly. Cook just until no longer pink before adding liquids.
- Skipping the spice bloom – Stirring chili powder into hot oil for 30 seconds deepens the flavor. Adding it straight to liquid makes the flavor flat.
- Not draining canned beans – Extra liquid can water down your chili. Drain and rinse for the best texture.
- Rushing the simmer – Even a quick chili needs 20–25 minutes to thicken and blend flavors. Too short and it tastes one-dimensional.
- Overcooking – Don’t overdo it either. Ground turkey is very lean and if you cook the bajeebers out of it, it’ll be hard and dry.
Make Ahead and Storage
Ground turkey chili stores and reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day making it perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
Storing Leftovers
• Cool completely first – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Separate portions – Divide into single servings for faster reheating.
Freezing
• Freeze up to 2 months – Ladle chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave room at the top – Chili expands as it freezes, so don’t fill to the brim.
Reheating Ground Turkey Chili
• Stovetop – Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Microwave – Thaw and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick.
How to Serve This Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
This chili is cozy enough for weeknights but easy to dress up for guests. Here’s my full guide to what to serve with chili, but you can start here!
Ground Turkey Chili Toppings
• Shredded cheese – Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack melt beautifully.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and cools the spice.
• Green onions or chives – A fresh, mild bite.
• Avocado or guacamole – Rich and buttery with a nice contrast to the chili.
• Cilantro – Fresh coriander brightens the flavor instantly.
Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Chili
• Warm cornbread or tortilla chips
• Microwave rice or instant pot Mexican rice
• Simple green salad with baja sauce, avocado dressing or cilantro lime crema
•Homemade Garlic bread or a cheese quesadilla
Finish your meal with one of these yummy Mexican dessert recipes.
Other Mexican Recipes You’ll Love
Ground Turkey Chili (Easy Recipe You’ll Swear By!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika optional
- 2 cups low-sodium tomato puree
- 2 14-oz cans low-sodium white beans kidney beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt divided
- ½ cup water or broth as needed
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and 1 tsp salt. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in onion and cook until soft, 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle in chili powder and paprika, stirring for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Pour in tomato puree, chickpeas, and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors come together. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Excellent – thank you! I like a little extra spice so added dashes of cayenne, cumin, and coriander but it’s great! Especially with garnishes of Greek yogurt, avocado and cilantro. I have my weekend meals now!