Okay, picture this: it’s a crisp autumn evening, leaves are crunching underfoot, and there’s a pot of something amazing simmering on the stove. What is it? It’s gotta be chili, right? But not just *any* chili. I’m talking about my Apple Sage Turkey Chili! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, seriously. And the best part? It’s a super flavorful, healthy twist on the classic comfort food. Trust me, you won’t even miss the beef!
I remember the first time I made this. The smell of the sage and apples filled the whole house. My family practically inhaled it! Ever since then, it’s been a fall staple. There’s just something about cozying up with a bowl of this chili that makes everything feel right. So, are you ready to get cooking? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Okay, so why *this* chili? Well, let me tell you, it’s got it all!
- It’s crazy easy to make – even on a busy weeknight!
- It’s actually good for you! We’re talking lean turkey and loads of veggies.
- The flavor? Out of this world! The apple and sage combo is just…*chef’s kiss*.
- Meal prep superstar! Make a big batch and you’re set for days.
- Even picky eaters love it! Seriously, it’s family-friendly gold.
Quick and Easy Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Seriously, this isn’t one of those all-day chili situations. We’re talking simple prep, a little simmering, and boom – dinner is served!
Healthy and Delicious Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Forget feeling guilty about comfort food! This Apple Sage Turkey Chili is packed with lean protein from the turkey and tons of good-for-you stuff from the beans, apples, and veggies. Yum and healthy? Yes, please!
Ingredients for Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Apple Sage Turkey Chili. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!
- 1 lb ground turkey (the leaner, the better!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for a little healthy fat)
- 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, your call!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (adds a little sweetness)
- 1 apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my faves!)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage (fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch!)
- 1 tsp chili powder (for that classic chili kick)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (earthy and warm)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, if you’re feeling spicy!)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (the base of our deliciousness)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (gotta have those beans!)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (more beans = more fun!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium is always a good idea)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)
How to Prepare Apple Sage Turkey Chili – Step-by-Step
Okay, are you ready to get this show on the road? Don’t worry, it’s super easy! Just follow these steps and you’ll have a pot of amazing Apple Sage Turkey Chili in no time. I promise, it’s worth it!
Browning the Turkey for Apple Sage Turkey Chili
First, grab your biggest pot and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Then, toss in the ground turkey. You’ll want to break it up with a spoon as it cooks, just so you don’t end up with giant turkey clumps. Cook it until it’s nice and browned. Mmm, already smelling good, right?
Adding the Vegetables to your Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Next up, the veggies! Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Cook them until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. The onions should be translucent and the bell pepper should have a little give. Your kitchen should be smelling seriously amazing by now!
Simmering Your Apple Sage Turkey Chili to Perfection
Now for the grand finale! Stir in the diced apple, fresh sage, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for just a minute more – careful, don’t let those spices burn! Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Bring it all to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it bubble away for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour! The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. Stir it every now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Tips for the Best Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Want to take your Apple Sage Turkey Chili from “good” to “OMG this is amazing?!” Here are a few of my secret weapons!
- Spice it your way! Not a fan of heat? Skip the cayenne pepper, or just add a pinch. Love a fiery kick? Go wild!
- Apple experiments encouraged! I usually use Granny Smith for that tartness, but Honeycrisp or even a sweeter Fuji works great too. Just avoid anything too mushy.
- Make ahead magic! This chili is even BETTER the next day. Seriously, the flavors just get deeper and richer. So, go ahead and make it a day in advance – you won’t regret it!
- Don’t skimp on the sage! Fresh sage really makes this recipe sing. But if you’re using dried, remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon.
Oh, and one more thing! Taste as you go! You’re the chef, so adjust the seasonings until it’s perfect for *you*!
Apple Sage Turkey Chili Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Apple Sage Turkey Chili and you’re loving it? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and switch things up! This recipe’s super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
How about swapping the sage for rosemary? Or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth? You could even throw in some diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for extra veggies and sweetness. My favorite part is adding a can of diced green chilies for a little extra *zing*. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Just have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions for Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Alright, you’ve got this amazing Apple Sage Turkey Chili bubbling away. Now, what to serve it with? Well, the possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my go-to’s!
First off, you *have* to have some cornbread! It’s the perfect sweet and crumbly counterpoint to the savory chili. Then, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and creamy tang. And of course, a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, whatever you’re feeling!) is always a good idea. Trust me, it’s a party in a bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Got questions about this amazing Apple Sage Turkey Chili? I got answers! Here are a few of the things I get asked about most often.
Can I make Apple Sage Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are perfect for chili! Just brown the turkey and sauté the veggies like normal, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4. Easy peasy! It’s seriously the best way to come home to a ready-made, delicious meal!
How spicy is this Apple Sage Turkey Chili?
That’s totally up to you! As written, it’s got a little kick from the chili powder and cayenne, but it’s not gonna set your mouth on fire. If you’re a spice fiend, add more cayenne. If you’re spice-averse, skip it altogether! You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a different kind of heat. Just taste as you go and adjust accordingly!
Can I freeze Apple Sage Turkey Chili?
You betcha! This Apple Sage Turkey Chili freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or in the microwave. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. It’s almost as good as the first time…almost!
Nutritional Information for Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for a serving of this Apple Sage Turkey Chili. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But roughly, you’re looking at around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 35g of carbs per serving. Not bad for a bowl of deliciousness, right?
Enjoy your Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Alright, that’s it! You’ve made my amazing Apple Sage Turkey Chili! Now go dig in, and don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think! Oh, and share a pic on social media – I wanna see your creations!
Amazing Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe Tonight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful Apple Sage Turkey Chili, perfect for a cool evening.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in apple, sage, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- You can use any type of apple you like.
- This chili can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
