Cozy Award-Winning Turkey Chili Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort

Crafting an unforgettable award winning turkey chili requires more than just ingredients, it’s about creating a culinary experience that warms your soul.

Spices dance together in a harmonious blend, promising depths of flavor beyond ordinary recipes.

Lean turkey brings a healthier twist to classic comfort food, making every spoonful guilt-free and satisfying.

Bold seasonings whisper stories of kitchen creativity and passionate cooking.

Hearty beans and vibrant vegetables add texture and nutrition to this robust dish.

Each bite promises a symphony of tastes that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth.

Turkey Chili Winning Tricks

• Ensure ground turkey is completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown color and develop rich, caramelized flavors.
• Adjust chili powder and green chiles based on personal heat preference, adding gradually to balance taste without overwhelming the dish.
• Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and remove excess starch, resulting in a cleaner, fresher chili texture.
• Let chili rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow spices to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• This chili freezes excellently for up to 3 months, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Turkey Chili Award Winning Version Stores Best Cold

• Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems too thick.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently until heated through completely.

Serving Sides for Award Winning Turkey Chili

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the chili's hearty flavor and spice profile.
• Enhance with Cornbread Sidekick: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread to balance the chili's savory notes and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Cool Down with Crisp Lager: Select a light, refreshing Mexican-style lager like Modelo or Dos Equis to cut through the chili's richness and cleanse the palate.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Create a zesty green salad with cilantro, lime vinaigrette, and avocado to add freshness and balance the chili's intense flavors.

Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Styles

• Low-Carb Chili Delight: Replace kidney and black beans with cauliflower rice or zucchini chunks for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the robust flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Swap ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or extra firm tofu, using a mix of lentils and mushrooms to create a protein-rich alternative.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Enhance heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and a dash of cayenne powder to elevate the chili's spice level for heat enthusiasts.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate, with chili powder and green chiles providing a subtle kick that most people can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute kidney and black beans with pinto beans, great northern beans, or a mix of your favorite beans while maintaining similar texture and flavor.

• How lean is ground turkey in this recipe?

Ground turkey is a lean protein source, typically containing around 93% to 99% lean meat, which makes this chili a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili.

• What makes this chili an award-winning recipe?

The balanced blend of spices like cumin and chili powder, combined with the rich tomato base and perfectly cooked ground turkey, creates a depth of flavor that sets this chili apart from standard recipes.

Award Winning Turkey Chili With Proven Flavor

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this chili in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Lean ground turkey provides high-protein goodness while beans and vegetables deliver essential nutrients for a balanced meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Customize toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions to suit different tastes, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their bowl.
• Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Batch cook this chili and store portions in freezer containers for quick future meals, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

Turkey Chili Award-Winning List

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the chili, choose 93% lean for healthier option.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic flavor enhancers that provide depth and classic chili foundation.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy sauce base with great tomato flavor.
• Diced Green Chiles: Adds mild heat and southwestern character to the chili.
• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and substance, make sure to drain and rinse to reduce sodium.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: Classic chili seasoning mix that delivers authentic southwestern taste profile.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Subtle sweetness that rounds out the spicy and savory elements.

Turkey Chili Award-Winning Cooking

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Grab a large pot and sizzle the ground turkey over medium heat.

Break up the meat into small crumbles and cook until it’s no longer pink, releasing those delicious savory aromas throughout your kitchen.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the minced garlic and diced onions.

Let them dance and soften, creating a flavor base that will make your chili incredibly rich and delectable.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Build the Chili Foundation

Pour in the vibrant tomato sauce, juicy diced tomatoes, and zesty green chiles.

These ingredients will create a robust and tangy base that gives your chili its signature personality.

Step 4: Add Beans and Spices

Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans, then add them to the pot.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar

Stir everything together until the spices are completely integrated.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Lower the heat and let the chili gently simmer for about 30 minutes.

Stir occasionally to blend the flavors and allow the ingredients to get to know each other, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced green onions

Enjoy your comforting and hearty meal!

Award Winning Turkey Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty turkey chili brings comfort and warmth to any mealtime, blending rich spices with lean protein. Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this chili delivers a satisfying experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground turkey

Vegetables and Canned Goods:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) yellow onion, diced
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (7-ounce/198 grams) can diced green chiles
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1–2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot and sauté ground turkey until it achieves a golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked through.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and diced onions, gently cooking until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and green chiles, stirring to create a rich, harmonious base for the chili.
4. Add kidney beans and black beans, then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and brown sugar, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Allow the chili to simmer gently, uncovered, for approximately 30 minutes, periodically stirring to meld the complex flavors and ensure even heating.
6. Transfer the piping hot chili to serving bowls and garnish with a dollop of creamy sour cream, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a scattering of freshly sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that keeps the chili light and nutritious.
• Enhance flavor depth by letting the chili simmer longer, allowing spices to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for those who love extra spiciness.
• Make this recipe vegetarian-friendly by substituting ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg