Turkey Chili with Black Beans (Printable)
Enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish with lean ground turkey, black beans, and aromatic spices. A comforting meal for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey
→ Produce
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
→ Pantry Staples
06 - 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
08 - 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Optional Garnishes
16 - Chopped fresh cilantro
17 - Sliced green onions
18 - Shredded cheddar cheese
19 - Sour cream
20 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring to break up the meat, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
02 - Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeño (if utilizing) to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt. Continue to cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
04 - Incorporate the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, drained and rinsed black beans, and chicken broth into the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow to simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's a hug in a bowl, without feeling too indulgent or heavy.
- You can easily make it your own with different beans or spices, adapting it to whatever you have on hand.
02 -
- Don't skip rinsing the beans — it makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture by removing excess sodium and starch.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the simmering process; your chili is unique to you, so make it perfect for your palate.
03 -
- Chili almost always tastes even better the next day, so consider making a double batch to enjoy leftovers.
- For an extra layer of savory depth, try browning the turkey in a tiny bit of bacon fat instead of plain oil.