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    Hearty Ground Turkey and Bean Chili

    clock-icon125 minutes
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    Author
    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
    units in
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    serves
    10 peoplechevron
    serves
    10 peoplechevron

    Vegetable Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Medium Onions, finely chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Bell Pepper, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic, minced

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chili Powder

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cumin

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Coriander

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Red Pepper Flakes, adjusted to heat preference

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dried Oregano

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cayenne Pepper, adjusted to heat preference

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lean Ground Turkey, 93% lean

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed

    0 cans

    Substitute chevron-down

    Diced Tomatoes, with juice

    0 cans

    Substitute chevron-down

    Crushed Tomatoes

    0 cans

    Substitute chevron-down

    Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Table Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Limes, cut into wedges for serving

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    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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