Hearty Homestyle Turkey Chili

1. Cook Onions and Peppers

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking them until they become tender and the onion is translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it's fragrant.

2. Cook Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue stirring and breaking it up until the turkey is no longer pink and is nicely browned. This step is crucial because browning the turkey not only cooks it but also develops a deeper, richer flavor that will enhance your chili.

3. Add Spices

Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to ensure that the spices coat everything evenly. Cooking the spices for about a minute before adding the liquids will allow their flavors to bloom, making your chili more aromatic and flavorful.

4. Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn kernels, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add extra flavor to your chili. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Season and Serve

Taste your chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. The amount of seasoning can vary depending on your taste and the saltiness of your broth, so start with a little and add more if necessary. Serve your hearty homestyle turkey chili hot, and enjoy the comforting, robust flavors that have developed in your pot.