This easy turkey chili is hearty and delicious! My recipe uses lean ground turkey and beans, perfectly seasoned for a tasty and easy weeknight meal. I almost always make this chili recipe on my stovetop, but it’s also super easy to make in your slow cooker.
Reader Kimberly says, “ I made this yesterday after you posted a sneak preview on Instagram. I’m so happy I did! Dinner was incredible and I’m looking forward to lunch already. Thank you for another great recipe! ★★★★★ “
I’m a firm believer that nothing warms you up quite like a steaming bowl of chili . The moment there’s a pot bubbling away on the stove, everything feels cozier. Even though this version is lighter, the flavor is still rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying — exactly what I want on a cool day.
Using turkey instead of beef keeps things lighter without sacrificing comfort. Hearty beans, plenty of warming spices, and a flavorful base of onions, peppers, celery, and garlic make sure every spoonful delivers. It comes together quickly (no long simmer required), which means less time cooking and easier cleanup — always a win.
This is also one of my favorite recipes to prepare in advance. The flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for lunches or freezing for later. And like any good chili, it’s endlessly customizable — turn up the heat, toss in extra veggies, or pile on your favorite toppings and make it your own.
Make it in a crockpot
This chili is simple; however, sometimes life gets too busy, or you feel a little too lazy to cook. I’ve been known to make a crockpot version of this turkey chili on those types of days. There are two ways I’ve done this: the easiest way is to dump everything in the slow cooker, set the timer, and walk away! If you can dedicate just a bit of time, use the skillet! Brown the onions and veggies, cook the ground turkey, and mix in the spices. Then, add this and the remaining ingredients to your slow cooker. This method is a bit more work, but the flavor will be better in the end.
Both versions can be cooked on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, so they’re perfect if you want to come home after a long day and find dinner waiting for you!
Turkey chili toppings
One of the things I love about a chili is how versatile it is – it’s easy to change the flavor each time you make it. When I make this turkey chili as meal prep for lunches, I can mix up the taste each day by adding something new. Here are some of my favorite chili toppings:
- Dollop : I love a generous spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top!
- Cheese : Grate up some cheddar cheese and let it melt into the turkey chili as you stir it in. I’ve used feta before too, and it’s great with the turkey.
- Crunch : Some corn tortilla chips add some crunch.
- Avocados : Serve up some diced avocados or guacamole.
- Extra vegetables: Chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce add some extra texture and taste.
- Herbs: Sprinkle some chives or cilantro on top for added freshness.
- Spicy : Sliced jalapeños add a little zing, or sprinkle on some red chili flakes.
- Savory : Some crispy bacon adds some saltiness.
How do I serve leftover chili?
Most of the time, I simply warm up the leftovers. But sometimes it’s nice to get a little creative and create new meals from the leftovers, like these chili-stuffed peppers or a taco salad . Make breakfast chili by serving it in a bowl with a fried or poached egg on top, or bake a potato, cut it in half, and ladle the chili over it. Make chili dogs ! Or chili fries!
Turkey Chili Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 medium onion (minced)
- ▢ 2 red bell peppers (minced)
- ▢ 2 stalks celery (diced)
- ▢ 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ▢ 1 ½ lb extra-lean ground turkey
- ▢ ¼ cup chili powder
- ▢ 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ▢ 1 teaspoon oregano
- ▢ Optional: ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (or more if you like it really spicy)
- ▢ 28 ounce can whole tomatoes
- ▢ 15 ounce can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey
- ▢ Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the onion. Mince the peppers, celery, and garlic and add them as you finish cutting them. Once the onion starts to brown, about 7-8 minutes, add the turkey and let it cook until it is no longer pink. 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 medium onion, 2 red bell peppers, 2 stalks celery, 4 cloves garlic, 1 ½ lb extra-lean ground turkey
- Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and (if using) the chili flakes. Stir the spices and break up the turkey meat into small pieces. ¼ cup chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, Optional: ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- Add the tomatoes to the pot and bring the pot to a boil. Turn the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. 28 ounce can whole tomatoes
- Stir in the beans and let them warm through. Add the coconut sugar or honey then season to taste with salt and pepper. 15 ounce can kidney beans, 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey, Salt and pepper
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion , minced
- 2 red bell peppers , minced
- 2 stalks celery , diced
- 4 cloves garlic , finely minced
- 1 ½ lb extra-lean ground turkey
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon chili flakes , or more if you like it really spicy
- 28 ounce can whole tomatoes
- 15 ounce can kidney beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the onion. Mince the peppers, celery, and garlic and add them as you finish cutting them. Once the onion starts to brown, about 7-8 minutes, add the turkey and let it cook until it is no longer pink. 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 medium onion, 2 red bell peppers, 2 stalks celery, 4 cloves garlic, 1 ½ lb extra-lean ground turkey
- Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and (if using) the chili flakes. Stir the spices and break up the turkey meat into small pieces. ¼ cup chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, Optional: ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- Add the tomatoes to the pot and bring the pot to a boil. Turn the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. 28 ounce can whole tomatoes
- Stir in the beans and let them warm through. Add the coconut sugar or honey then season to taste with salt and pepper. 15 ounce can kidney beans, 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey, Salt and pepper
