Hearty Turkey and Bean Chili
Transform your leftover turkey into a delicious and hearty chili that's perfect for any night of the week. This recipe brings together tender chunks of turkey, flavorful spices, and wholesome beans, making it both satisfying and nutritious. With just a handful of convenient ingredients, including canned tomatoes and green chilies, this chili is easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. Adjust the broth to your liking—make it soupier by adding more water, or thicken it up with masa harina for a comforting texture. Top it off with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice for a zesty finish. Perfect for warming up on chilly evenings or serving at family gatherings, this dish is both a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
onion
1 (diced)
yellow pepper
1 (diced)
turkey breast
2 cups (cut up)
tomatoes and green chilies
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
white kidney beans or great northern beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
taco seasoning
0.5 (3 ounce) package (none)
garlic salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black olives
10 (sliced)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
lime juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and yellow pepper, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the cut-up turkey breast, allowing it to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
4
Add the canned tomatoes with green chilies, drained white kidney beans, taco seasoning, garlic salt, and sliced black olives to the pot.
5
Pour in 1 to 2 cans of water, depending on your desired consistency, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6
Let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through.
7
Taste the chili and adjust salt and additional spices as necessary.
8
Finally, remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Turkey and Bean Chili?
This is a nutritious and flavorful chili made from leftover turkey, beans, and spices, designed to be quick and easy to prepare.
What kind of turkey is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of cut-up turkey breast, which is a great way to use leftovers.
Can I use ground turkey instead of leftover turkey breast?
Yes, you can use ground turkey. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly in the pot before adding the other ingredients.
What types of beans should I use?
White kidney beans or Great Northern beans are recommended for this recipe.
How can I make the chili thicker?
You can thicken the chili by simmering it for a longer period or by adding a small amount of masa harina.
How can I make the chili more like a soup?
To achieve a soupier consistency, simply add more water or broth to the pot during simmering.
What kind of canned tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses a 15-ounce can of tomatoes with green chilies to add extra depth and a bit of heat.
How long does it take to cook this chili?
The total active cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, including 5 minutes for sautéing and 10 minutes for simmering.
Can I substitute the yellow pepper?
Absolutely. You can use a red, orange, or green bell pepper as a direct substitute for the yellow pepper.
Is this turkey chili healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthy and nutritious meal as it is packed with protein and fiber from the turkey and beans.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients except the lime juice and cilantro in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function for the vegetables and turkey, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes with a natural release.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
Is this chili freezer-friendly?
Yes, this chili freezes very well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What toppings are recommended for turkey chili?
Common toppings include fresh cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
How spicy is this recipe?
It is mildly spicy due to the green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the heat by choosing a hotter or milder taco seasoning.
What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning?
You can make a quick substitute using a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
Are the black olives mandatory?
No, the sliced black olives are optional and can be omitted if you are not a fan.
Why is lime juice added at the end?
Adding lime juice at the end provides a zesty finish that brightens the flavors of the beans and turkey.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and fully cook the dried beans before adding them to the chili.
Do I need to drain the beans?
The recipe recommends draining and rinsing the white kidney beans before adding them to the pot.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free as long as you ensure your taco seasoning and canned items are certified gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to this chili?
Yes, vegetables like corn, zucchini, or diced carrots would make great additions to this meal.
What if I don't have fresh cilantro?
You can leave it out or substitute it with fresh flat-leaf parsley for a similar herbaceous look.
Can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Yes, cooked chicken breast works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for the turkey.
How much water exactly should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 cans of water (using the empty tomato can) based on how thick or thin you want the chili.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?
Yes, you can use 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic. Just be sure to add a little extra salt to compensate for the salt in the garlic salt.
What is the best oil for this recipe?
Olive oil is recommended for sautéing the onions and peppers, but any neutral cooking oil will work.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, because it is a one-pot meal that reheats well and stays fresh for several days, it is excellent for meal prep.