30 Minute Turkey Chili

This is the ultimate turkey chili! It’s loaded with lean ground turkey, beans, bell pepper, onion, and lots of seasoning for big flavor in just 30 minutes.

I am one of those people who could eat chili every week and never tire of it. All year long too. I just believe it’s the coziest meal and who doesn’t want more cozy in their life?

While I have quite a few versions on my website, my original turkey chili recipe was designed to be made without beans. At the time I created that recipe I wasn’t eating many beans but over the years I’ve become a tiny bit bean obsessed. They’re tasty, a filling addition to any meal, and loaded with fiber! So over the years I started adding canned kidney beans to that chili recipe. Since that bean-filled chili is the one I actually make the most often I figured I should officially give it a home here.

While you of course can use ground beef in this chili I most often use ground turkey since it’s so lean. While some people aren’t fans of ground turkey this recipe accounts for the different flavor of the turkey (versus beef) so you’ll find that the seasonings really do make the ground turkey work beautifully here.

This turkey chili has a big rich flavor that’s achieved in just 30 short minutes. I make this so often that truly it’s one of the most thoroughly tested recipes on my site. My family and friends love it and I hope you do too!

Ingredients for 30 Minute Turkey Chili

• Olive oil or avocado oil: The oil helps us sauté the onion and bell pepper until tender. I recommend extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil but you can use any oil you’re comfortable cooking with.
• Lean ground turkey: I use lean ground turkey in this chili. You can also use ground beef if you like or try my No Bean 30 Minute Chili instead. That recipe is tested for ground beef and the seasonings have been adjusted to account for the difference in flavor.
• Green bell pepper: Green bell peppers are the most popular of the bell peppers. They have a slightly bitter taste and aren’t as sweet as red or orange bell peppers.
• Onion: White onion, yellow onion, or red onion all work well.
• Canned diced tomatoes: I recommend fire-roasted diced tomatoes if it’s available in your grocery store.
• Canned kidney beans: I recommend canned beans instead of dry beans because it drastically reduces our cooking time. Drain and rinse the canned beans before adding to the chili.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste packs a lot of concentrated tomato flavor.
• Chicken stock or broth: Both chicken stock and chicken broth can be used in this healthy turkey chili recipe. Stock is typically made by simmering the bones for hours. Broth is made by simmering the meat instead of only the bones.
• Minced garlic: You can mince your own garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Canned chopped green chiles: The diced green chiles add some heat to this dish but it remains fairly mild overall.
• Seasonings: We’re using plenty of spices to beautifully flavor this chili recipe. This seasoning blend is what makes this chili standout from other chili options. The seasonings include chili powder, dried oregano, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make 30 Minute Turkey Chili

Add oil to a large soup pot and heat to medium-high heat. Once hot, add onions and bell pepper. Sauté until onion is translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden, about 1 minute.

Add the ground turkey, using your spatula to crumble it. Sauté the meat, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink.

Add in all other ingredients. Stir to combine. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Taste and add extra salt if desired.

What Are the Best Chili Toppings?

Let’s get one thing clear, you should top your chili with whatever you love. There is no wrong answer. Food is subjective (a soap box I love to stand on) so if you enjoy it then it’s good. Anyone who tells you otherwise needs a hobby. So really use whatever chili toppings sound delicious to you! But if you want suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite chili toppings!

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Plain greek yogurt
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped green onions
• Diced onion
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Frito chips
• Tortilla chips
• Salty kettle chips
• Homemade Croutons
• Sliced jalapeno
• Hot sauce

How to Store Leftover Chili

Want to enjoy this homemade turkey chili the next day or later in the week? It’s such a great option for meal prep. Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

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