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Hearty Turkey Chili

This turkey chili is a comforting, hearty dish made with lean ground turkey simmered with crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and smoky spices. It develops a rich, deep flavor through slow simmering, resulting in a thick, vibrant sauce with a slightly smoky and tangy taste. The final dish is warm, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey lean
  • 1 can canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper red or green diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Add diced onions and peppers to the pot. Sauté until they become fragrant and slightly softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture releases a fragrant aroma and the spices darken slightly.
  4. Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes, until it no longer looks pink and starts to brown.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the rinsed kidney beans. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken and develop richer flavors.
  7. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the acidity feels too strong, stir in a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
  8. Once the chili is thick and bubbling, it’s ready to serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of chipotle powder or smoked chili flakes. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.