Turkey Chili
Updated December 28, 2025
- Total Time
- 50 minutes
- Prep Time
- 15 minutes
- Cook Time
- 35 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds ground turkey, white and dark meat combined
2 cups coarsely chopped onions
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 large sweet red pepper, cored, deveined and coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 jalapeño, cored, deveined and finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 cups canned diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth, fresh or canned
Salt and black pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar
1 cup sour cream (optional)
Sliced lime, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
- Step 1
Heat the oil over high in a large heavy pot and add the turkey meat. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, chopping down and stirring with the side of a heavy kitchen spoon to break up any lumps.
- Step 2
Add the onions, garlic, sweet pepper, celery, jalapeño, oregano, bay leaves, chili powder and cumin. Stir to blend well. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 3
Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
- Step 4
Add the drained beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes longer. Serve in bowls with Cheddar, and sour cream and lime wedges, if desired.
Private Notes
Comments
Added my Chili Friends:
1/4 tsp. Espresso powder (or cocoa powder)
1/2 tsp: coriander, Chipotle powder, cinnamon
1 heaping Tbs. Brown sugar
I'm a fan of celery, provides wonderful flavor...include the small stalks with leaves.
I saute the onions, then garlic, then celery and pepper before adding the turkey, and use a bottle of beer instead of the stock.
Is this recipe referring to cooked turkey, as in thanksgiving leftovers? Or ground turkey?
Two pounds of ground turkey with dark and white meat
@Max can you describe the difference in flavor by adding beer and not chicken broth?
After reading the comments I cooked STEP2 and then STEP1. Absolutely false that there is too much liquid. Wonderful simple recipe. I would maybe add a drop more heat next time.

