Turkey Chili with Black Beans and Tomatoes (Print)
A hearty chili featuring lean ground turkey, black beans, and tomatoes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and ready in 55 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 pounds ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
→ Legumes
06 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Tomatoes
07 - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
→ Liquids
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices and Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Optional Garnishes
17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Diced avocado
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
02 - Add diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño if using, and garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and black beans. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors are melded.
06 - Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spice levels as needed.
07 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The smoked paprika adds this mysterious campfire depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be.
- You can prep everything in one pot which means more time enjoying your evening and less time scrubbing dishes.
02 -
- Letting the chili sit overnight in the refrigerator transforms it completely as the spices permeate every ingredient.
- Adding the spices to the oil from the turkey before the liquids intensifies their flavor in a way that simply cant be achieved by adding them later.
03 -
- Mash about a quarter of the black beans with a fork before adding them to create a naturally thicker texture without having to reduce the liquid as much.
- The turkey will release moisture as it cooks, so resist adding any oil at the beginning unless your pot is prone to sticking.