Put your Thanksgiving leftovers to good use with this cozy Turkey Chili. Juicy shredded turkey, hearty beans, and a medley of vegetables simmer together in a rich, spiced tomato base for a warm and satisfying meal.
Perfect for a cold day, this recipe transforms holiday extras into a bowl of comforting goodness, with smoky chili powder, cumin, and paprika adding bold flavor. Toss in some leftover sweet potatoes or roasted veggies for an extra twist!
This Turkey Chili is quick, nourishing, and freezer-friendly—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of green onions for the ultimate post-Thanksgiving comfort food.
Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Onion (medium), diced
- 1 Bell Pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2-3 cups Turkey, cooked and shredded or diced
- 1 (15 oz) can Tomatoes, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Turkey or Chicken Broth (add more if desired)
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 Lime, juiced
- Optional Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, avocado or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked turkey, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, and broth. Mix well.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth if the chili becomes too thick.
- Stir in lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado. Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side.
