Description

This is the chili that’s going to make you forget all about that greasy, heavy beef version you used to make. We’re talking about a thick, stick-to-your-ribs turkey chili that’s packed with protein, loaded with beans, and has just the right amount of heat to warm you up without setting your mouth on fire. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell incredible for hours and tastes even better the next day. Plus, using turkey instead of beef means you can go back for thirds without feeling like you need to unbutton your pants. Win-win.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Protein Power:

2 lbs ground turkey (85/15 blend works best)
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Veggie Foundation:

1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (keep the seeds if you’re brave)

For the Spice Life:

3 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Saucy Situation:

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef or chicken broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Bean Dream:

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

For the Secret Weapons:

1 square dark chocolate (trust me on this)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 bay leaf

For Serving:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Cornbread (obviously)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown That Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Don’t worry if it looks a little dry – we’re fixing that.

Step 2: Veggie Party

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and jalapeños and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Spice It Right

Add all your spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Stir everything around for about a minute until it smells amazing and the spices are toasted.

Step 4: Build the Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Drop in that bay leaf too.

Step 5: Bean There, Done That

Add all three types of beans. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil.

Step 6: The Magic Touch

Once it’s boiling, add your secret weapons – the dark chocolate and brown sugar. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for at least 45 minutes. The longer you let it go, the better it gets.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf and taste your masterpiece. Need more heat? Add cayenne. Too acidic? Add a pinch more brown sugar. Not enough depth? Add more Worcestershire.

Notes

Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread, crusty bread, or even over baked sweet potatoes for something different.

Pro tip: Make baked potato “boats” by splitting open baked potatoes and loading them with chili and toppings. Game changer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Nutrition

Calories: ~385 kcal
Fat: ~12g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Protein: ~28g