Print

The Best Turkey Chili with Black Beans (Easy Crowd-Pleasing Recipe)

turkey chili with black beans - featured image

This turkey chili is a crowd-pleasing, easy recipe that comes together in under an hour. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and a secret ingredient that brightens the whole pot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • Optional: 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a good sear. Stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes total. Transfer turkey to a bowl, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the paste darkens.
  3. Add all spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper) and stir for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add browned turkey back in along with any juices. Stir in brown sugar and chipotle pepper if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Cover pot with lid slightly ajar and simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. After 20 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning. After 30 minutes, add drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans. Continue simmering uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Let chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the turkey properly and toast the cumin. Season in layers. Chili improves after a day in the fridge. Make ahead for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, black beans, easy chili, crowd-pleasing, game day, potluck, comfort food