Make an easy homestyle turkey and bean chili with lean ground turkey, colorful peppers, four kinds of beans, and a rich tomato base.
There is nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade chili. This Homestyle Turkey and Bean Chili Recipe combines lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, tender beans, and tomatoes in a rich, hearty dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Four varieties of beans give the chili a delicious blend of creamy and hearty textures. Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers bring natural sweetness, while dark chili powder adds warmth and depth. A touch of dark brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the savory flavors.
This gluten-free turkey chili is perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, casual family dinners, or weekly meal preparation. Serve it with gluten-free cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or baked potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.
The chili is delicious when freshly prepared, but its flavors become even richer after resting overnight. Make a large pot to enjoy throughout the week, or freeze individual portions for an easy homemade meal whenever a chili craving strikes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 pounds ground turkey breast
2 tablespoons dark chili powder
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 (28-ounce) cans chopped tomatoes
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can chili beans, undrained
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Hot sauce, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the red onion and the red, orange, and yellow bell peppers. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey breast to the pot and season it lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Build the Chili Base
Stir in the dark chili powder and dark brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, to help release the flavor of the chili powder.
Add the chopped tomatoes and stir until everything is evenly combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Beans
Stir in the drained white beans, black beans, and dark red kidney beans.
Add the chili beans along with their liquid.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chili for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the ingredients cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the chili and add more salt, black pepper, and hot sauce as desired.
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve warm with your favorite toppings and accompaniments.
Notes
For a thicker chili, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a thinner consistency, add a small amount of chicken broth or water until the chili reaches your preferred consistency.
For a smokier flavor, add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a small pinch of chipotle powder with the chili powder.
Serve the chili with gluten-free cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or baked potatoes. Topping options include shredded cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
This chili is an excellent make-ahead meal because the flavors become richer after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It may also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator before reheating it thoroughly.
Ground turkey breast is naturally lean and provides plenty of protein while creating a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili.
To keep the recipe gluten-free, check the labels on the chili powder, canned beans, hot sauce, chicken broth if using, toppings, and serving accompaniments. Prevent cross-contact during preparation when serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
