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Easy 30-Minute Friendsgiving Turkey Chili Recipe

Friendsgiving turkey chili - featured image

A quick and hearty turkey chili ready in 30 minutes, perfect for Friendsgiving or a busy weeknight. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers deep, comforting flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) dried oregano
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred), undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Cook the turkey: Add 1 pound ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Bloom the spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Add the beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Simmer: Let the chili simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt and spices at the 10-minute mark.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes. Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings.

Notes

Don’t skip the spice blooming step—toasting the spices in hot oil for 60 seconds deepens the flavor. Adjust chili powder to your heat preference. Chili thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth when reheating. For a vegetarian version, omit turkey, add an extra can of beans, and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, easy chili, 30-minute chili, Friendsgiving chili, ground turkey chili, quick chili, comfort food