This turkey chili is packed with flavor, featuring a delicious blend of lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and spices. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that's not only gluten-free but also packed with protein and nutrients. It’s great for meal prep and perfect for any time of the year!
The best thing about this chili is how simple it is to make. It's easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this chili stands out from other gluten-free recipes, and it's a healthier take on traditional chili without skimping on taste or satisfaction.
This chili recipe is loaded with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of chili powder and cumin. The end result is a hearty, tasty dish that even picky eaters will devour! Top with shredded cheddar for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
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Plus, it's got the perfect combo of savory ground turkey, sweet potatoes and hearty black beans brought together with a mix of spices. The sweet potatoes add a fun twist to regular chili, giving it a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances out the savory flavors.
Serve this chili hot, topped with shredded cheddar and your favorite chili toppings. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a cold day or a hearty dish for game day, this turkey chili will definitely hit the spot. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Chili
- Comfort Food: There's nothing like a hot bowl of chili to comfort you on a cold day or any day! This recipe provides a healthier alternative to traditional chili without compromising on the much-loved flavor. It’s comfort food at its best but with a twist.
- Quick and Easy: This turkey chili recipe comes together quickly and is hands-off once all the ingredients are added. It’s your perfect meal for busy weeknights or a Sunday game day, making it a go-to recipe for many.
- Gluten-Free: This delicious chili is entirely gluten-free, thanks to the careful selection of ingredients. Using gluten-free chicken broth or stock guarantees that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this hearty meal.
- Family-Friendly: This chili is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Its simple and familiar ingredients, combined with its rich and comforting flavor, make it a meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili makes a great recipe for meal prep. It heats up wonderfully and tastes just as good the next day, making it an ideal option for those busy weekdays.
Ingredients
Making this turkey chili recipe is super easy, thanks to the easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you're shopping at a local grocery store or using what's already in your pantry, each ingredient contributes to a hearty and flavorful bowl of chili.
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic, providing a flavorful foundation for our chili. It also helps to cook the ground turkey evenly.
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is our protein of choice for this healthier chili recipe. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a satisfying and delicious choice.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients are sautéed in olive oil to release their flavors, providing a fragrant and flavorful start to our chili.
- Cinnamon, Chili Powder, and Cumin: These spices add a warm, smoky flavor to the chili, making it a comforting dish with much flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes with Juice: These add a tangy sweetness to the chili, and their juice provides a rich and hearty broth.
- Chicken Stock or Broth: This forms the liquid backbone of our chili. Make sure your chicken broth or stock is gluten free.
- Sweet Potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness to balance the spices, and their starchy texture helps to thicken the chili.
- Black Beans: A classic chili ingredient, black beans provide a hearty texture and are a great source of protein and fiber.
- Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings are used to enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar adds a creamy, tangy finish to each serving of chili. Feel free to use your favorite chili toppings.
How to Make Turkey Chili
Ready to whip up a comforting bowl of chili? Let me walk you through the simple steps to make this tasty meal. For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1.
Prepare and Cook the Turkey: Start by adding a little olive oil to a Dutch oven and bring it to medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the turkey and set it aside.
Step 2.
Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same Dutch oven, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are browned and aromatic.
Step 3.
Combine Turkey, Onion, Garlic, and Spices: Return the cooked turkey to the pot with the onions. Add your chili powder and other spices. Stir everything together and let it cook for about one minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Next, add the tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, kinds of beans (like black beans, kidney beans, and white beans), and sweet potatoes to the pot.
Step 5.
Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about ten minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft.
Step 6.
Season and Serve: Finally, season your chili with salt and pepper to your personal preference. Serve your chili hot, topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Enjoy this perfect meal on a cold day or as a game-day comfort food!
Variations
- Spicy Chili: If you're a fan of spicy food, consider adding a kick to this turkey chili recipe. Toss in some cayenne pepper or diced green chiles for an extra heat. Remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
- Veggie-Loaded Chili: Want to pack in more nutrients? Add extra veggies like green bell peppers or even cauliflower rice! Not only will this bulk up your chili, but it will also add an interesting texture and make your meal even more filling.
- Bean Swap: If you're out of black beans or simply prefer another variety, feel free to substitute. Pinto beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans are all excellent choices for chili. Each type of bean will bring a unique flavor and texture to your dish.
- Tomato-Infused Chili: For a more traditional chili, try adding some tomato sauce or tomato paste. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to compliment the added tomato component.
Helpful Tips
- Choose lean ground turkey: Opting for lean ground turkey over other ground meats is a healthier alternative. It’s packed with protein and adds much flavor to your chili without the excess fat.
- Use a Dutch oven: Cooking your chili in a Dutch oven on medium heat allows for even cooking and brings out the flavors of the ingredients. Plus, it is a one-pot meal which makes cleaning up a breeze.
- Don't skip the spices: The combination of cinnamon and chili powder in this recipe adds a unique twist to your traditional chili. These spices, along with cumin, contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Make sure your broth is gluten-free: Not all chicken broths are created equal. Make sure to check the label to guarantee that your chicken broth or stock is gluten-free if you're following a gluten-free diet.
- Add sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are not just for roasting. They add a touch of sweetness to balance out the spices in the chili and provide additional nutrients. Plus, they make this chili recipe a perfect meal for a cold day.
- Don't forget the cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top of your bowl of chili adds a creamy texture and additional flavor. It is the perfect finishing touch to this hearty meal.
Dietary Substitutions
This turkey chili recipe is already gluten-free, so it is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, there are a few adjustments you can make to ensure it fits other dietary needs as well:
- To Make This Recipe Vegan and Dairy-Free: To make this chili recipe vegan and dairy-free, substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the shredded cheddar cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute for serving.
- To Make This Recipe Paleo and Whole30 Friendly: This recipe is nearly Paleo and Whole30 compliant. Just make sure to omit the beans (as they are not allowed on these diets) and use homemade chicken stock or a store-bought version with no added sugars or non-compliant ingredients.
- To Make This Recipe Keto Friendly: To make this chili keto-friendly, you'll need to make a few more adjustments. First, replace the sweet potatoes with a lower carb vegetable like zucchini or bell peppers. Second, omit the beans, as they are too high in carbs for a keto diet. Also, make sure that the diced tomatoes you use are no-sugar-added to keep the carb count low.
Storage Instructions
To Refrigerate: Allow your chili recipe to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect meal prep option.
To Freeze: This hearty chili recipe is freezer-friendly. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
To Reheat: If frozen, thaw your chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stove top over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot throughout. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish. Be sure to stir it well before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying a bowl of our hearty, chili recipe, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delicious dish:
- As a Main Course: This chili is a satisfying meal all on its own, especially when topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- With a Side of Salad: Balance out the richness of the chili with a fresh, crisp salad. Try a simple cucumber tomato salad, a tangy coleslaw, or a vibrant marinated tomato basil salad to add some additional color to your meal.
- Accompanied by Corn Casserole: Enjoy this delicious chili with some gluten-free corn casserole on the side. It’s a delicious, classic combo that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a hearty, filling meal, serve the chili over oven-roasted sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory, spicy chili.
- With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up your chili with some crunchy tortilla chips for a fun and casual meal. This is a great option for game day or a family movie night.
- As a Topping for Nachos: Take your nachos to the next level by using this chili as a topping. Add some shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and jalapeño peppers, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- In a Chili Bar: Set up a chili bar with bowls of the chili and an array of your favorite toppings like grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and diced avocado. This is a fun and interactive meal idea that the whole family will love.
Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ lbs ground turkey 85% lean
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock or broth gluten free
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 can black beans rinsed
- salt and pepper
- shredded cheddar for serving
Instructions
- Put a swirl of olive oil in a dutch oven and brown turkey until cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Brown onion and garlic in another teaspoon of olive oil until done.
- Add turkey back to pot with onions and add spices. Stir and cook for one minute.
- Add tomatoes and juices, chicken stock, beans and sweet potatoes.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are softened.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with cheese and serve hot.
Annie says
What a great looking chili! Total comfort food!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks Annie!
Christina Oliver says
I made this for my kids and they loved it
Karen Kelly says
Christina, thanks so much for letting me know. I'm so happy to hear they liked it, because I know how picky kids can be!
Katie says
could use beef instead? I have trouble finding good ground turkey. The recipe looks yummy and I can't wait to try it.
Karen Kelly says
Katie, yes you can absolutely use beef. Get a lean ground beef or you will have to drain off the fat. Good luck and hope you like it!
LINDSEY D says
can you make this in a crock pot instead?
Karen Kelly says
Hi Lindsey, I think you could but you would have to brown the turkey first in a skillet. I haven't tried it myself so I can't be sure how it will turn out. Hope it works for you!
Meeta K says
I do prefer the beef version but always come back to turkey for some variety. This looks great!
Karen Kelly says
Thank you!
Cheryl says
This is super easy, fast and delicious, however does anyone have the nutritional breakdown for it? I can figure it out, but if its already out there, why reinvent the wheel. Thanks!!
Karen Kelly says
Sorry I don't have that Cheryl. I need to start doing that for all my recipes! Thanks!
lorie says
Wow..tried the chili...it is amazing with salad and toast.
Definitely a keeper in this household.
Karen Kelly says
Lorie, Thanks so much for letting me know. These comments mean a lot to me!
Peg says
Definitely trying tonight!!
Ann says
Delicious and so easy.
Karen Kelly says
Thanks for letting me know Ann! Your ratings mean a lot to me!
Jenni says
I LOVE chili for dinner! Love that you made it healthier with turkey!
Calleigh says
I wasn't a fan of ground turkey until I tried this chili dish. My family didn't even know ground turkey is in it until I told them lol. I made this chili in mild flavor so anyone can eat it. Thank you for sharing.
Karen Kelly says
Thanks so much Calleigh!
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
I love the use of turkey mince. we so often use it instead of ground pork.
This looks delish!!!!!
And the use of turkey makes it healthy so I can justify a bit of sour cream right?
Karen Kelly says
Yes! Bring on the sour cream!
Danielle says
I love a hearty turkey chilli. So easy to do and very comforting on a cold day like today.
Annemarie says
Chili is just about my favorite meal, and this version looks amazing! I love that you used turkey.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Love the addition of the cinnamon and the sweet potatoes Karen! This would be perfect for the rainy weekend ahead!
Carley says
What a great recipe! I loved it.
However....the sweet potatoes never got soft for me....any tips on how to make them soft?
I’d love to make this again!
Karen Kelly says
Carley, sorry to hear that. I cut my sweet potatoes into a small dice. Also, the recipe says to cook until potatoes soften so I check them every once in a while by sticking a fork in them. If they aren't done, I keep cooking.
Beth says
In the crock pot now!!! I’ll report back!!
starla says
do you think this would hold up if frozen and then re-heated?
Karen Kelly says
Yes, I've done that before and it worked well. You might need to add a bit of liquid to it when you reheat it.
foodneverythingelse says
This Chili looks very comforting and all the ingredients looks very flavourful
Jill says
My kids both love the Fuller House show too! I always like chili - healthy or not. Love that you added sweet potatoes to this healthy turkey chili recipe!
Andrea Metlika says
This looks perfectly delicious! never had sweet potatoes or any potato in a chili, I've got to try this.
Ellen says
So much flavor and I love that you used ground turkey. Makes it a bit healthier!
Chantal says
I usually use ground turkey to make meatloaf, this would be a nice change from the norm
Abigail says
Can you cook this in a regular pot if you do not have a dutch oven?
Karen Kelly says
Yes totally!
Ann K. says
Best chili recipe ever! I experimented and put onions and garlic in an Instant Pot on the sauté setting first, then I added the diced potatoes and stirred for a few minutes until the potatoes got a little color on them. And since I try to avoid using as few pots/pans as possible, I then made a little circle in the Instant Pot and poured a little olive oil before browning the turkey along with everything else. I added salt at this point as well to taste the mixture after the turkey cooked. All other steps remained the same for the most part except for the spices, which I added after putting the tomatoes and beans. Once the sauté setting went off on its own, I then put the whole thing back on sauté to thicken it up. If there’s anything left, I leave it on warm overnight, and it’s still perfect and maybe almost a touch better the next day. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Karen Kelly says
So glad to hear how you liked it!
Caroline Georgieff says
Hi there
I have been making your recipe for a couple of years now and it is a family favourite. I love how simple and flavourful it is. I am just trying to work our the macro nutrients for a serving. I see that your recipe is based on 8 servings, but I am unclear of the quantity that makes a serving (Eg: 1 cup or 2 cups). If you could clarify, that would be great. Thanks!
Karen Kelly says
I think it works out to be about one cup. Glad you like the recipe!
Diane says
This is a very tasty recipe. I’ve made it a few times now and tonight I used butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes. They were perfect.
Karen Kelly says
Great additions!
Chey505 says
I am so excited and grateful to have found your stie!!! Thank you for sharing your delicious and healthier recipes. The turkey chili is delicious. You have so many beautiful, easy to follow, easy ingredient recipes. I look forward to "sneakily" sharing healthy meals with my dear hubby - he swears healthy food is "sawdust", however ate 2 big bowls of chili. : ) Thanks, again!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks so much for your kind words!