About the Recipe
There is nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade chili. This Homestyle Turkey and Bean Chili is packed with lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, tender beans, and a rich tomato base that simmers into a hearty and satisfying meal. It is the perfect recipe for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, meal prep, or anytime you are craving a wholesome bowl of comfort food.
The combination of four different beans creates incredible texture, while the blend of peppers adds natural sweetness and depth. A touch of brown sugar balances the tomatoes and chili powder, resulting in a flavorful chili that is rich, savory, and perfectly satisfying. Best of all, this gluten-free turkey chili is simple to prepare and tastes even better the next day.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
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
½ 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
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
Add the onion, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey breast to the pot. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Simmer the Chili Base
Stir in the chili powder and brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.
Add the chopped tomatoes and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
Add the Beans
Stir in the white beans, black beans, kidney beans, and chili beans with their liquid.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue simmering for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and hot sauce as desired.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty turkey chili with gluten-free cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or baked potatoes. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or jalapeño slices for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
This chili is an excellent make-ahead recipe because the flavors become richer and more developed after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
For a smokier flavor, add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder along with the chili powder.
Ground turkey breast is naturally lean, making this chili a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili while still providing plenty of protein and hearty flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
