This Trader Joe’s Turkey Chili recipe is an easy and healthy recipe, which is made with ground turkey and kidney beans. It’s a great healthy dinner option, ready in about 55 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Turkey Chili Recipe Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1 (28 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 (16 ounce) can canned kidney beans – drained, rinsed, and mashed
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
How To Make Trader Joe’s Turkey Chili
- Brown the turkey and onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is evenly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion and continue to cook until tender.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, the mashed kidney beans, and the minced garlic.
- Stir in spices: Add the chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Recipe Tips
- How to add more flavor? The foundation of a great chili is browning the meat properly and sautéing the onion in the rendered fat. Don’t rush this step. Allowing the chili to simmer for the full 30 minutes (or longer) is also crucial for developing deep flavor.
- Can I use a different kind of bean? Yes. If you don’t have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans are excellent substitutes that work wonderfully in this recipe.
- How to adjust the spice level? The cayenne pepper is what controls the heat. For a milder chili, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For a spicier version, feel free to add a little more.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Follow the steps to brown the turkey and onion on the stovetop first. Then, transfer everything to a crock pot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
What To Serve With Turkey Chili
Chili is all about the toppings! Set up a chili bar with bowls of:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips (like Fritos)
- A side of warm cornbread is also a classic pairing.
How To Store Turkey Chili
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Like most chilis, the flavor is often even better the next day.
- Freeze: Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Turkey Chili Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 185kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Mashing some or all of the beans before adding them to the pot is a clever trick. The starches from the mashed beans help to thicken the chili naturally, giving it a heartier consistency without needing to add any extra flour or cornstarch.
Yes, this is a great base recipe for adding extra veggies. A diced bell pepper (any color) sautéed with the onion is a classic addition. You could also stir in a cup of corn (frozen or canned) during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Generally, yes. Ground turkey, especially lean varieties (93/7 or 99/1), is typically lower in calories and saturated fat than most ground beef, making it a great option for a lighter but still hearty chili.
Trader Joe’s Turkey Chili Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes40
minutes185
kcalA quick and healthy one-pot turkey chili made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and a simple blend of classic chili spices.
Ingredients
1 ½ tsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and mashed
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chili powder
½ tsp each: paprika, oregano, cayenne, cumin, salt, pepper
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pot. Brown the ground turkey, then stir in the onion and cook until soft.
- Add the water, crushed tomatoes, mashed kidney beans, and garlic.
- Stir in all of the spices until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Mashing the beans before adding them is a great trick to help thicken the chili naturally.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for the week.
- Don’t be afraid to customize! Add a diced bell pepper with the onion or a can of corn in the final 10 minutes.
