This Turkey Chili Recipe is unbeatable! It’s packed with ground turkey, plenty of veggies, and the absolute best seasoning blend.
author’s note
Turkey Chili That Always Gets 5 Stars!
When the weather starts to cool off, chili is one of the first things I start craving. I’ve made so many versions over the years, but this Turkey Chili has totally stolen the spotlight in my home.
I wanted something hearty enough to fill everyone up but still a little lighter than the usual beef version. After a bunch of testing, this mix of ground turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, and my favorite spice combo hit all the right notes.
What I love most is how easy it is to make your own. I’ll set up a big toppings bar for game day or just pile on everyone’s favorites when it’s a family dinner night. And the best part? It freezes like a dream! I’ve pulled out extra batches on crazy weeknights, and it tastes just as fresh and flavorful as the day I made it.
Turkey Chili Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap / Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | Use ground chicken or beef if you prefer. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Or try butternut squash or yellow potatoes instead! |
| Chili Powder | The heat of chili powders varies brand to brand so start mild and add more heat as you go. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | Fire roasted tomatoes add a great smoky flavor. |
| Beans | Black, kidney, or pinto all work. Can use all one type if preferred. |
| Corn | Fresh or canned works in place of frozen. |
| Chicken Stock | Veggie broth works if making vegetarian. |
How To Make This Turkey Chili Recipe
- Sauté veggies: Onion, bell pepper, and garlic for the flavor base.
- Add sweet potatoes: Let them soften slightly.
- Brown turkey: Crumble and cook until no pink remains.
- Season it up: Stir in tomato paste and spice blend.
- Simmer: Add tomatoes, beans, corn, and stock. Cover and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and chili thickens.
- Finish & serve: Adjust seasoning, stir in lime juice, and top it off with your favorites.
Featured Comment
“Holy crap!!!! So freaking good! Made it exactly as recipe stated and it was delicious … even made your cornbread recipe to go with it. Perfect!”
– Krissi
Topping Ideas
The toppings add so much to this Turkey Chili recipe:
- Sharp Cheddar: Grated on top for gooeyness.
- Lite Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For creaminess.
- Jalapeños: For spice.
- Lime Juice: Enhances flavors.
- Avocado or Guac: Adds richness.
- Cilantro: Brings freshness; parsley or chives as alternatives.
Storage
Leftovers?
- Freezing: Store whole or in portions in freezer bags, thaw overnight, and reheat in a pot.
- Fridge Storage: Store this Turkey Chili Recipe in an airtight container, 3-4 days.
- Serving Ideas: Top potatoes, hot dogs, or salads with leftovers.
Delicious Side Dish Ideas:
Turkey Chili Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion 1 onion
- 1 cup finely diced red pepper 1 pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes 1 large
- 1 pound lean ground turkey 93/7
- 3 tablespoons chili powder see note 1
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes fire-roasted if desired
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans in mild sauce see note 2
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth
- Toppings as desired see note 3
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the onion and red pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the peeled and diced sweet potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–9 minutes, reducing heat slightly if anything starts to brown too much.
- Push the veggies to the edges of the pot and add the ground turkey to the center. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, crumbling the meat as you go, until browned on the outside, about 5 minutes. Stir the veggies back in and drain off any excess liquid.
- Stir in all spices and tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, black beans, chili beans, corn, and chicken stock. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat. Season to taste with more salt or pepper, if needed. Stir in lime juice (a few tablespoons) and chopped cilantro (~1/4 cup), if desired.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like sharp Cheddar, sour cream, extra lime, and fresh cilantro. Don’t skip the toppings—they add so much flavor!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hello!
How would you adjust the recipe to be able to use a Crock-Pot? Just transfer after ingredients have been sauteed/browned?
Yes, exactly! 🙂 Enjoy!
The sugary flavor of the sweet potato adds a delicious balance to the all the spices. Definitely a keeper! Thank you Chelsea!
I am so happy to hear this! Thanks Claudia! 🙂
Holy crap!!!! So freaking good! Made it exactly as recipe stated and it was delicious … even made your cornbread recipe to go with it. Perfect! 😍
Yay! So happy to hear that, thank you so much for the comment 🙂