Oh, there’s just nothing like a big bowl of chili, is there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening! And this Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans? Trust me, it’s a winner. I’ve been tweaking this recipe for ages, and it’s finally perfect. Forget about the heavy beef chili that takes hours… this one’s ready in under an hour, and it’s way healthier too!
I started making this because, well, weeknights are crazy, right? But I still wanted that comforting chili flavor. Plus, ground turkey is just so versatile! It soaks up all the spices beautifully. I even entered this chili (or a VERY close version) in our neighborhood cook-off last year. Didn’t win (darn you, Bob and your “secret ingredient”!), but it was a HUGE hit. Even the kids gobble it up, which is a miracle in itself. It’s honestly a family tradition now – chili night is the BEST night!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Okay, so why *this* chili? Let me tell ya:
- Super quick to make – perfect for those crazy weeknights!
- It’s packed with good-for-you stuff, thanks to the lean ground turkey and black beans.
- Even picky eaters will love it! It’s got a mild, comforting flavor that’s totally family-friendly.
- You can crank up the heat as much as you want. More chili seasoning? A pinch of cayenne? Go wild!
- And the best part? It’s AMAZING for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’re set for lunches all week!
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing ground turkey chili with black beans: 1 pound of ground turkey (I usually go for lean, but regular works too!), 1 large onion, chopped, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper, both chopped. Then grab a big ol’ 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, a 15-ounce can each of black beans and kidney beans (make sure they’re rinsed and drained!), and a 15-ounce can of corn, drained. Don’t forget a packet of chili seasoning (usually around 1.25 ounces), 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Salt and pepper to taste, of course! And for toppings? Oh, the possibilities! Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, maybe some chopped cilantro… yum!
How to Make Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here we go! Time to turn these ingredients into a pot of pure comfort. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing ground turkey chili with black beans in no time.
Preparing the Ground Turkey and Vegetables
First, grab your biggest pot – a Dutch oven is perfect if you have one, but any large pot will do. Pop it on the stove over medium-high heat. Crumble in that ground turkey and let it brown. Make sure you break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned (no pink left!), drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants greasy chili, right?
Now, toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Stir them around and let them cook until they’re nice and soft. This usually takes about 5 minutes. The onions should be translucent, and the peppers should have a little bit of give. This step builds so much flavor, so don’t rush it!
Combining the Ingredients for the Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Alright, time to bring it all together! Pour in that big can of crushed tomatoes. Then add the black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure all those spices are evenly distributed. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Simmering the Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Bring the chili to a simmer – that means little bubbles gently breaking the surface. Then, turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, let it simmer for up to an hour! The longer it simmers, the thicker and more flavorful it gets. Just make sure to stir it every now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. That’s it! You’re basically done! Get ready for some seriously delicious ground turkey chili with black beans!
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Want to take your chili from “good” to “OMG this is amazing!”? Here are a few of my favorite tricks. First off, don’t be shy with the spices! Taste as you go, and add more chili seasoning, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne if you like it hot. It’s YOUR chili, after all!
Also, feel free to swap out the beans. Pinto beans are great, or even cannellini beans for a milder flavor. If your chili is too thin, just take the lid off and let it simmer a little longer – the extra liquid will evaporate. And for a secret ingredient? A teaspoon of brown sugar adds just a *hint* of sweetness that balances everything perfectly. Trust me on this one!
Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans Variations
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! One of the best things about chili is how easy it is to customize. Don’t be afraid to experiment! For example, if you’re not a fan of kidney beans (I know some people aren’t!), swap ’em out for pinto beans or even cannellini beans. They’ll give the chili a slightly different texture and flavor.
Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! Diced tomatoes or a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles) will add a little extra zing. Zucchini, carrots, even sweet potatoes can be diced small and tossed in. And don’t forget about spices! Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, while an extra pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper will crank up the heat. It’s all about making it *your* perfect ground turkey chili with black beans!
Serving Suggestions for Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Okay, your ground turkey chili with black beans is simmering away, smelling amazing… but what do you serve with it? Oh, the possibilities! My absolute fave is a big slice of warm cornbread – the slight sweetness is just perfect with the chili. But tortilla chips are also a must for scooping! And for toppings? A dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, a few slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions… seriously, does it get any better?
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Got questions about making the best ground turkey chili with black beans? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:
Can I make Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are PERFECT for chili. Just brown the ground turkey and sauté the veggies like normal, then dump everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4. Seriously, come home to the best-smelling house *ever*! You might need to add a little extra broth if it seems too thick.
Can I freeze Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans?
You betcha! This chili freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it straight into a pot on the stove over low heat. It might need a splash of water or broth when reheating.
How can I make Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans spicier?
Ooh, you like it hot, huh? I get it! The easiest way to add some kick is with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start small – you can always add more! Hot sauce is another great option. Or, if you’re feeling brave, toss in some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers when you’re sautéing the veggies. Just be careful – those little guys pack a punch!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans
Okay, so what about the healthy stuff? Just a heads-up: these numbers are just estimates, but each serving has around 350 calories, 12g of fat, a whopping 30g of protein, and 35g of carbs. Not bad, right?
Enjoy Your Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans!
And there you have it! I hope you love this ground turkey chili with black beans as much as my family does. Seriously, let me know what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share a pic on social media – I love seeing your creations! And hey, while you’re here, check out my other recipes… you might just find your new favorite!
Print
Unbelievable Ground Turkey Chili With Black Beans in 45
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty ground turkey chili with black beans. A flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, chili seasoning, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a longer time.
- Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
