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Hearty Ground Turkey and Bean Chili

clock-icon125 minutes
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Pixicook editorial team

Transform everyday ingredients into a comforting and savory chili that's perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients for Hearty Ground Turkey and Bean Chili

units in
USchevron
serves
10 peoplechevron

Vegetable Oil

tablespoons

Medium Onions, finely chopped

cups

Bell Pepper, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

cups

Garlic, minced

tablespoons

Chili Powder

tablespoons

Ground Cumin

tablespoons

Red Pepper Flakes, adjusted to heat preference

teaspoons

Dried Oregano

teaspoons

Cayenne Pepper, adjusted to heat preference

teaspoons

Lean Ground Turkey, 93% lean

0 lb

Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed

0 cans

Diced Tomatoes, with juice

0 cans

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

cups

Table Salt

teaspoons

Limes, cut into wedges for serving

each

How to Make Hearty Ground Turkey and Bean Chili

1. Cook the Base

Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed nonreactive pot over medium heat until it shimmers but does not smoke, about 3-4 minutes. Add in onions, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, oregano, and cayenne; stir occasionally. Cook until vegetables soften and start to brown, roughly 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add half of the ground turkey, breaking the meat into pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until it's no longer pink and begins to brown, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Simmer the Chili

Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer uncovered. Stir the chili occasionally and cook for 1 hour. Form the remaining pound of ground turkey into a ball and pinch off teaspoon-sized pieces, stirring them into the chili. Keep simmering for another 40 minutes, stirring from time to time. If the chili starts sticking to the pot, add 1/2 cup of water and continue to simmer until the turkey pieces are tender and the chili has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary.

3. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Pitfalls and tips

Choose Quality Ingredients

Opt for higher-fat ground turkey (like 85/15) for more flavor and moisture. If you can get freshly ground turkey from a butcher, even better. Use a combination of beans for texture and taste variety. Consider mixing kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth to your chili. Using fresh tomatoes in addition to canned can also enhance the flavor profile.

Slow Cook

Allow your chili to simmer gently for at least an hour or two. The slow cooking process helps meld the flavors and tenderize all the ingredients. A low and slow approach is often the secret to a great chili.

Bloom Your Spices

Toasting spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a dry pan or in the oil before you add the turkey can intensify their flavors. This is a key step not to be overlooked.

Brown the Turkey Well

Don't just cook the turkey until it's no longer pink; brown it well to develop a deep, savory flavor. This Maillard reaction is crucial for a rich-tasting chili.

Add Umami

Incorporate ingredients that add umami, such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a bit of fish sauce. These deepen the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.

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