Hearty Turkey & Bean Chili
This hearty turkey and bean chili is packed with lean ground turkey, black and white beans, and plenty of veggies for a wholesome, protein-rich dinner. A soffritto of onion, carrot, peppers, and garlic builds a flavorful base, while beef stock and crushed tomatoes create a rich, savory broth. Finished with a sprinkle of cheddar and a dollop of sour cream, it’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3 tbps olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup carrot (finely diced)
- 1 cup bell peppers or sweet peppers (finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 can black beans (15 oz)
- 1 can white beans (15 oz)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Fat
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Flavor Base
- Add diced onion, diced carrots, diced peppers, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 6–7 minutes.
Protein
- Push the vegetables to the sides of the pot. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking up with a wooden spoon.
Liquid Base
- Pour in 1 cup of beef stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir to combine. Add remaining stock and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Mix-Ins
- Drain and rinse the beans. Add the beans to the soup and stir to combine.
Spices
- Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili has slightly thickened.
Finishes
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
- Heat Level: Add more or less crushed red pepper to adjust spice.
- Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day — store in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Freezer Friendly: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months.
- Optional Veggies: Corn, carrots, zucchini, or chopped spinach make great mix-ins.
- Beans: There are many beans that are great in this recipe. Typically, a mix of beans will give a good depth of flavor and texture. For example, this could be made with kidney + garbanzo beans.