Spicy Turkey and Beer Chili
Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Spicy Turkey and Beer Chili, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends. This vibrant, flavor-packed dish features ground turkey simmered with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a splash of Mexican lager for a delicious twist. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that's not only hearty but also a healthier alternative to traditional chili, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Top it with melted Monterey Jack cheese or crisp tortilla chips for an extra layer of flavor. Gather your loved ones and share this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
yellow onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
5 (chopped)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (None)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (None)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (None)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (None)
chipotle chile in adobo
1 (coarsely chopped with 1 tablespoon sauce)
ground turkey
1 lb (None)
Mexican lager beer
12 ounces (None)
whole canned tomatoes
14.5 ounces (crushed with their juice)
kidney beans
15.5 ounces (rinsed and drained)
grated Monterey Jack cheese
to taste (optional for garnish)
tortilla chips
to taste (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion, garlic, salt, chili powder, and oregano. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3
Stir in the tomato paste and the chopped chipotle chile along with 1 tablespoon of its sauce, cooking for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
4
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, approximately 3 minutes.
5
Pour in the Mexican lager beer and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce by half, which should take about 8 minutes.
6
Add the whole canned tomatoes, crushing them with your hands as you add them to the skillet, along with their juices. Stir in the rinsed kidney beans.
7
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your liking, about 10 minutes.
8
Ladle the hearty chili into bowls and garnish with grated Monterey Jack cheese or tortilla chips, as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Turkey and Beer Chili?
It is a hearty, 30-minute meal made with ground turkey, Mexican lager, aromatic spices, and beans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of beer is recommended for this chili?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of Mexican lager beer.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
While the recipe specifies ground turkey for a healthier alternative, ground beef can be used as a substitute.
How long does it take to cook this chili?
The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it includes chili powder and chipotle chile in adobo for a spicy kick.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 15.5 ounces of rinsed and drained kidney beans.
How do I prepare the canned tomatoes?
Whole canned tomatoes should be crushed by hand as they are added to the skillet along with their juices.
What are the suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the chili with grated Monterey Jack cheese or tortilla chips.
How long should the beer simmer?
The beer should simmer for about 8 minutes or until it has reduced by half.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 5 chopped garlic cloves.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The aromatic spices include chili powder, dried oregano, and kosher salt.
How do I thicken the chili?
The chili thickens as it simmers uncovered for about 10 minutes after boiling.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe specifies a medium yellow onion, but other varieties like white onion may be used.
What is the purpose of tomato paste in this dish?
Tomato paste is used to deepen the flavor and meld with the chipotle chile.
How do I handle the chipotle chile?
The chipotle chile should be coarsely chopped and added with 1 tablespoon of its adobo sauce.
Is this a good meal for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as a quick 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Should the turkey be browned before adding liquids?
Yes, cook the ground turkey until it is browned and no longer pink before pouring in the beer.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
Yes, the kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the skillet.
Can I make this chili less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can use less chili powder or omit the chipotle chile in adobo.
What size skillet should I use?
A large, heavy skillet is recommended for even cooking.
Are there any dairy ingredients in the base recipe?
No, the base recipe is dairy-free; cheese is only an optional garnish.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Poultry.
How much turkey do I need?
You will need 1 lb of ground turkey.
Can I substitute the Mexican lager?
If you don't have Mexican lager, another light beer or even beef/chicken broth can be used.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
When do I add the tomato paste?
Add the tomato paste after the onions and garlic have softened, and cook for one minute before adding turkey.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, turkey and kidney beans make this a high-protein meal.
How do I know when the onion is ready?
The onion should be soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 minutes of sautéing.