This Turkey Chili Recipe has been on the regular rotation for years. It is hearty – loaded with ground turkey, beans, and veggies in a flavorful tomato base. It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together in one pot – after the turkey and onions are sauteed, the rest is just dumped and simmered. Get those tortilla chips ready for dipping into the best turkey chili!
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The Best Turkey Chili RecipeMy friend Gina from nursing school (did you know I used to be a registered nurse?), shared this award-winning slow cooker chili recipe with me that she learned from her mother. She made it for a chili cook-off fundraiser at the university, and I couldn’t stop refilling my bowl. It’s delicious! When she told me how easy it was, I could hardly believe it but it’s become a staple on our menu. I’ll share all of my best tips to really amp up the flavor of your chili!
This turkey chili recipe is loaded with great ingredients–like lean ground turkey, veggies, and high-fiber beans that make it a little lighter than traditional chili but just as satisfying. It also reheats well, so it’s great for meal prep (see my storage tips below).
Turkey Chili Recipe Video
After you watch the video, two things will happen: you’ll realize how easy it really is, and you’ll crave it until you make it. Dinner = solved!
We love filling, warming, one-pot meals, like our Beef Stew, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Slow Cooker Chili. This turkey chili recipe will quickly become one of your family’s favorites since it’s so easy and is packed with nutritious ingredients without sacrificing that crave-able chili flavor.
Helpful Reader Reviews“Probably the most flavorful turkey chili I’ve had/made. I’ll definitely make it again. And it will probably replace my beef chili!” – Josie ★★★★★
“Two thumbs up from my entire family! Including two teenagers. This was great!” – Lori ★★★★★
Ingredients for the Best Turkey ChiliOne of the things that makes this recipe so simple is it uses a ton of canned pantry staples, but you can substitute with homecooked beans and veggies if you prefer. I usually always stock the cans so I can make chili anytime the craving starts and I don’t mind it now that more companies offer BPA-free cans

Ground Turkey – Since ground turkey is naturally pretty lean, there usually isn’t a need to drain it after browning. Any ground turkey will work here.

Onion – dice a medium red or yellow onion. Gina recommended red onion for chili because it sweetens as it cooks.

Chili Spices – here’s where you can really amp up the flavor with chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This recipe is pretty mild but if you prefer spicy, add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.

Tomato Base – I combine a 28 oz jar of canned diced tomatoes with their juice (seasoned or plain), and a 15 oz can of tomato sauce. You can substitute the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes if that is what you have on hand.

Beans – I like a mix of 3 beans-black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, but you can substitute with what you have on hand. I often swap in some white beans or use a canned blend of beans. It’s best to rinse and drain beans to remove excess salt and any tinny flavor.

Green chilis (or) Jalapenos – for more flavor, add a small 2oz can of diced jalapenos or green chilis. I use mild, but you can use hot if you like more heat.

Corn – you can use 1 can of sweet corn, frozen corn, or fresh corn from 2 ears of corn. I’ve always loved the sweet bite that corn adds to chili, but you can omit it if you’d prefer.How to Make Turkey ChiliStovetop chili is the quickest and easiest way to make chili. It all comes together in one pot and the cooking time is minimal.

Add oil to a pot or Dutch oven and brown ground turkey.

Add diced onion and spices and sautee until onions are softened.

Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes.Toppings for Turkey ChiliEvery good chili needs a “chili bar” to go along with it so everyone can customize it just the way they like it. Set the toppings out in separate bowls so people can pile on their favorites. We love turkey chili with tortilla chips, but it’s amazing over Baked Potatoes (or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes) with a side of cornbread or Homemade Biscuits.

Shredded cheese (Mexican, cheddar, Colby Jack, etc)

Sour Cream

Sliced Avocados or Spicy Guacamole

Chopped cilantro

Lime wedges

Chopped green onion

Sliced jalapeños (fresh or canned)

Hot Sauce – a splash of Tobasco or Cholula

Sliced olivesCan I Make Turkey Chili in a Slow Cooker?I love crockpot chili recipes; set ’em and forget ’em. I make this slow cooker turkey chili in the morning and it’s ready for my children to enjoy when they get home from school.

Start steps 1 and 2 on the stovetop (or use a slow cooker with a sautee function)

Transfer ground turkey mixture to crockpot, add remaining ingredients and 1/2 cup of broth or water and stir to combine.

Set on low for 3 to 4 hours until piping hot. Season to taste and serve. Storing and ReheatingOnce leftovers are cooled, transfer portions to an airtight container or a freezer-safe ziptop bag.

To Refrigerate: store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Freezing: store in the freezer for 3 months.

To Reheat: You can reheat from frozen, but start with lower heat as it thaws. Heat in the microwave or on the stove until hot. Thin with Chicken stock or water if needed. This satisfying Turkey Chili Recipe will quickly become a favorite for your family since it is so easy to make and cooks in just 30 minutes on the stovetop.

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