30 Minute Turkey Chili That’s Warm and Hearty for Chilly Days
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
When the weather turns chilly, and the days grow shorter, a warm and hearty Turkey Chili should be on the week’s menu. Especially when it’s ready in about 30 minutes and filled with the classic chili flavors you love!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email, and we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get delicious new recipes from us every Friday!
I’m in love with this Turkey Chili. My family is in love with this Turkey Chili. It’s so easy and simple… and just plain good! A bit of spice, a richness only cocoa can bring, and healthy ground turkey makes this chili perfect for weeknight meals, or cozy weekends.
It doesn’t matter the season, although its frequency on my weekly meal plan increases exponentially when the air turns brisk and chilly. And in my neck of the woods, it is about 9 months out of the year. But I’ve also been known to make it even in the summer when the fresh peppers are populating my garden.
It’s winter now, snow is drifting by my window. The thought of fresh peppers, tomatoes, and summer sun seem almost unreal. But… very, very pleasant!
This Turkey Chili is one of those easy, simple dishes to whip up with mostly pantry ingredients. It’s hardy, and comforting, and warm, and in my book… perfect. I like to serve it with a slice of warm-from-the-oven cornbread, drizzled with honey, of course!
Turkey Chili Ingredients
You will find the ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but this will give you an idea of what you need to make this 30 minute chili recipe!
- Olive oil for sauteing the veggies and browning the turkey
- Ground turkey (although you can also substitute your favorite ground meat).
- Vegetables: onion, bell peppers, and garlic
- Seasoning: chili powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, and unsweetened cocoa for that classic, mole flavoring.
- Canned tomatoes (I prefer fire-roasted for flavor) chicken broth, tomato sauce, and your favorite canned chili beans
How to Make Quick 30-Minute Turkey Chili
Step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below, but here is a quick overview of how easy this chili is to make!
Step 1: Saute and simmer
In a large saucepan, saute the onion until softened, and then add the ground meat, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until the meat is browned and the peppers are softened.
Stir in the spices, coating the meal, and let saute for a few seconds until the seasonings are fragrant.
Step 2: Add the beans and cook
Stir in the broth, water, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and then add the beans. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the chili has thickened a bit. If you want the chili thicker, cook for additional minutes.
Step 3: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheddar cheese, scallions, and sour cream.
Toppings for Turkey Chili
Use your favorite chili toppings, but to keep it quick and simple, try adding:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped scallions
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
What to Serve with Turkey Chili
- Jalapeno Popper Corn Muffins with Bacon and Cheddar
- Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Greek Yogurt Dip
More Recipes You May Also Love
SAVE THIS AND PIN IT FOR LATER!
If you are not already, you can follow me on Pinterest and keep up with me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you make this recipe, I would love it if you would tag me in your photos and leave a star rating below!
To be notified of new recipes, subscribe to my e-mail list. It’s free, and you’ll also receive a free e-book of our reader’s favorite recipes.
30 Minute Warm and Hearty Turkey Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- red pepper flakes to taste
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
- 14 oz cans fire roasted and diced tomatoes undrained
- 15 oz can chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 14 oz can kidney beans drained
Garnish
- shredded cheddar cheese
- scallions
- sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, saute the onion in olive oil until softened. Add the garlic, ground turkey, and bell pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and crumbled and the onions and peppers have softened.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, and red pepper flakes to the pot, stir, coating the meal, and cook for a few seconds until the seasonings are fragrant.
- Pour in the tomatoes with their juices, broth, water, and tomato sauce and stir. Bring to a boil, and add the drained canned beans. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are soft. If you want the chili thicker, cook for additional minutes. To thin the chili, add additional water.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheddar cheese, scallions, and sour cream.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
