Not the Usual Turkey Chili

Elevate your chili game with "Not the Usual Turkey Chili," a bold and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. This hearty recipe swaps traditional beef for lean ground turkey, delivering a lighter option without compromising richness. Packed with protein from black and kidney beans, and seasoned with a unique blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a surprising touch of unsweetened cocoa powder, every bite is layered with smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors. Fresh diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic bring a fragrant depth to the dish, while a splash of low-sodium chicken broth ensures a satisfying, stew-like consistency. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it piping hot and customized with toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheddar for a personalized finish. This easy turkey chili recipe is destined to become your next pantry-friendly favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0 to taste sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
• 0 to taste shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2702.4 grams (2702.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2221

Total Fat 82.90g	106%
Saturated Fat 24.60g	123%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 367mg	122%
Sodium 5472mg	238%
Total Carbohydrate 222.20g	81%
Dietary Fiber 72.00g	257%
Total Sugars 48.20g
Protein 158.70g	317%

Vitamin D 6IU	30%
Calcium 847mg	65%
Iron 34mg	191%
Potassium 5749mg	122%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 28.0%

Carbs: 39.2%