I’ll dive right in to share how Turkey Burger Chili became one of those meals that truly brings everyone around the table. One busy weeknight, my teenager asked if I could make something “different but tasty,” and I knew a classic chili would usually do the trick, but this time I swapped in ground turkey from our favorite turkey burger recipe. That first spoonful brought wide smiles all around. This Turkey Burger Chili quickly became a family favorite because it’s hearty, packed with flavor, and hits that comfort food spot without feeling heavy.
I’ve made Turkey Burger Chili countless times, tweaking it just enough so it’s easy to throw together after a long day. The beauty is how this lean turkey chili doesn’t sacrifice on bold taste, making it a staple for both packed school nights and weekend dinners that want a cozy gathering feel. I love how the mix of spices creates just the right touch of warmth—a bit like a spicy turkey chili but friendly enough for kids.
If you’re looking for a healthy chili recipe that’s full of flavor but stays light, give this Turkey Burger Chili a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for families who want something comforting yet wholesome. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want an easy dinner that feels like a special meal. I’d love to guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step prep, serving ideas, and answer all your questions about making the best Turkey Burger Chili for your family.
What You’ll Need
For a winning Turkey Burger Chili, the ingredient list keeps things straightforward and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1½ pounds lean ground turkey (I use 93% lean for the best balance in flavor and moisture)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds great depth)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spicy turkey chili lovers)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
You’ll find everything for this Turkey Burger Chili at your regular grocery store. I recommend grabbing the canned beans and tomatoes without added salt or sugar. Fresh veggies make a difference too—choose bright green peppers and firm onions.
If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, feel free to skip it; this Turkey Burger Chili still shines. For a milder version, reduce or leave out the cayenne. My family prefers when I use a bit of extra garlic—it brings out the rich flavor of the turkey in this lean turkey chili.
Prepping ingredients like dicing onions and mincing garlic ahead helps speed things along when cooking. For easier cleanup, I like to brown the ground turkey in large batches with olive oil in a nonstick pan.
How to Make It
Making Turkey Burger Chili feels like a little kitchen win every time. It usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, with minimal active cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped bell pepper; cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper over the turkey. Stir well to coat all the meat evenly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Your kitchen will smell amazing as those spices mingle with the savory turkey.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or chili powder makes it perfect.
- When the chili thickens slightly and the flavors have fully melded, it’s ready.
I used to rush through browning the turkey, which left bits a bit gummy. Now, I make sure to let it brown well for the best flavor in this Turkey Burger Chili. Don’t worry if your chili looks chunky—it’s supposed to! Stirring occasionally helps keep that perfect consistency.
While your Turkey Burger Chili simmers, you’ll have time to chop toppings or set the table for a relaxing family moment. If you want some inspiration beyond this recipe, check out this The Best Healthy Turkey Chili You’ll Ever Eat | Ambitious Kitchen for a slightly different take.
Serving Ideas
My family loves how this Turkey Burger Chili feels both cozy and satisfying. We enjoy it topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a handful of chopped green onions. It makes a simple meal feel special.
This Turkey Burger Chili pairs beautifully with cornbread or warm tortilla chips. On busy nights, it’s perfect because it’s filling without being heavy, leaving everyone content and energized. It shines especially during chilly evenings or weekend get-togethers.
For leftovers, this Turkey Burger Chili reheats beautifully. Sometimes I add a little extra broth when warming it up, so it stays nice and saucy. Leftover chili also freezes well in individual portions for quick lunches or snacks.
I’ve tried swapping black beans for pinto or chickpeas, and it works great. Adding diced zucchini or carrots sneak in extra veggies without changing the flavor much. My family’s favorite variation is a bit spicier with extra cayenne, which is a hit with the teens.
If your crew enjoys hearty meals, you’ll want to look into Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili, another go-to that’s packed with cozy comfort. For a soup twist, Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe is great for variety. And when you want something with a bit of a classic beef twist, Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a family-pleaser too.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Turkey Burger Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors deepen when it’s made a few hours or a day before serving. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
What if I don’t have ground turkey?
You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer. Ground turkey keeps this chili light but works well either way.
How do I store leftover Turkey Burger Chili?
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. I also freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes! Increasing cayenne or adding diced jalapeños works well. If you want a spicy turkey chili, start small to keep it balanced.
Is this Turkey Burger Chili kid-friendly?
Most kids in my family love it since it’s not overly spicy. You can always serve heat on the side with hot sauce.
Can I use dried beans?
You can, but soak and cook them separately beforehand. Canned beans save time and work well for this recipe.
Does this chili work in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown your turkey and veggies first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Just be sure to adjust liquid as slow cooking can concentrate flavors.
For more takes on turkey chili to keep your meals fresh, check out Best Turkey Chili Recipe (simple and saucy!) – The Kitchen Girl and Simple Turkey Chili Recipe.
The Final Word
This Turkey Burger Chili has earned a spot in my regular meal rotation because it’s simple, healthy, and perfect for bringing everyone together. The balance of spices and tender lean turkey makes it satisfying without heaviness, making family meals feel more connected.
My Turkey Burger Chili Tips:
- Brown turkey thoroughly for rich flavor and texture.
- Simmer long enough to let the spices blend well.
- Adjust heat levels to fit your family’s tastes.
I’ve had success trying a smoky chipotle twist, adding sweet potatoes for extra nutrition, and even making a vegetarian version with lentils. My husband loves the smoky paprika version, while the kids always ask for theirs milder. Each variation feels like a new meal win, and you can tailor this chili to your family’s favorites.
I hope you enjoy making this Turkey Burger Chili as much as my family does. It’s a recipe you can lean on, customize, and come back to when you want food that tastes like home. Happy cooking!
If you want other cozy chili inspirations, don’t miss Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili or some hearty crowd-pleasers like Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe.
Give it a try—and enjoy the moments it creates in your home.
Turkey Burger Chili
A hearty and flavorful turkey burger chili that combines lean ground turkey with robust spices and beans for a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for any time of year.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
For added richness, top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or avocado slices. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.