Flavorful Two-Bean Turkey Chili
Get ready to warm up with this comforting and flavorful two-bean turkey chili! This hearty recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Delicious Two-Bean Turkey ChiliThis year, our family embarked on a rewarding journey of raising our own turkeys for meat. The experience was incredibly fulfilling as we witnessed the birds grow and thrive from poults to mature turkeys. We’ve carefully stored the meat in our freezer, ensuring a delicious and sustainable protein source for the fall and winter months. While raising your own meat might not be feasible for everyone, we encourage you to savor the fruits of our labor by enjoying this hearty two-bean turkey chili. The rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a meal to cherish. The joy and satisfaction we experienced this year have inspired us to continue raising turkeys in the spring, and we look forward to sharing more of our farm-to-table adventures.
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 fresh tomatoes, sliced into cubes
- 1-15 ounce can of tomato paste
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 2 cups black beans, canned or cooked from dry
- 2 cups garbanzo beans, canned or cooked from dry
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-12 ounce box of pasta, cooked or 4-8 baked potatoes
- Monterey Jack cheddar cheese, shredded
- Sour cream
Equipment:
- Cast iron skillet
- Large cooking pot
- Spatula
- Grater or food processor
- Can opener
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Optional: Vegetable Chopper
Instructions:
- Brown the turkey: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Simmer the chili: Transfer the browned turkey and onions to a large cooking pot. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, garbanzo beans, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes or until the flavors have combined and the chili has thickened.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the chili hot over cooked pasta or baked potatoes. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Tips:
- Customize the heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
- Freeze for later: To freeze the chili, let it cool completely and then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Additional Tips for Perfect Turkey Chili
- Don’t overcook the beans: Overcooked beans can become mushy. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Use a variety of beans: For a more complex flavor, try using a combination of different beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans.
- Add a touch of acidity: A squeeze of lime or a splash of vinegar can help to balance the flavors in your chili.
- Let it simmer: The longer you let your chili simmer, the more flavorful it will become. Allow it to simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
- Top it off: Serve your chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use turkey instead of beef?
Turkey is a leaner protein option than beef, making it a healthier choice for chili. It also has a milder flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in the dish.
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can use ground chicken as a substitute for ground turkey in this recipe.
How long can I store leftover chili in the refrigerator?
Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, this chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is delicious served with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce. It can also be served with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread.
The Secret to the Best Turkey Chili is the Balance of Flavors
A good chili should be hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy. To achieve the perfect balance, be sure to use a variety of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beans and vegetables to add depth and complexity to your chili. And finally, let your chili simmer for a long time to allow the flavors to meld together and develop.
I can honestly say this is one of the most satisfying chili recipes I’ve ever made. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the combination of tender meat and a variety of beans creates a hearty and filling meal. I love the versatility of chili; it’s a dish that can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or a spicier kick, chili offers endless possibilities. I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as ours has.
Two-Bean Turkey Chili
This flavorful and comforting chili is packed with protein and flavor. Made with ground turkey, two types of beans, and a variety of spices, it's the perfect dish for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 fresh tomatoes, sliced into cubes
- 1-15 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 2 cups black beans, canned or cooked from dry
- 2 cups garbanzo beans, canned or cooked from dry
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-12 ounce box of pasta, cooked or 4-8 baked potatoes
- Monterey Jack cheddar cheese, shredded
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Simmer the chili: Transfer the browned turkey and onions to a large cooking pot. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, garbanzo beans, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the flavors have combined and the chili has thickened.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the chili hot over cooked pasta or baked potatoes. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 647Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 1320mgCarbohydrates: 90gFiber: 16gSugar: 16gProtein: 35g