Touchdown Turkey Chili Cheddar (Printable)
Savory turkey and beans with rich cheddar melted on top, bursting with bold, warming spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Turkey & Aromatics
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 large red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 large green bell pepper, diced
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
→ Tomatoes & Beans
14 - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
16 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Toppings
19 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
20 - 0.5 cup sour cream
21 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
22 - 1 jalapeño, sliced
# Step-by-step:
01 - Pour olive oil into a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Place over medium heat and warm until shimmering.
02 - Add ground turkey to the hot oil. Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
03 - Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, and both bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly until spices become fragrant.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili thickens and flavors meld together.
07 - Taste the chili and add additional salt or pepper if needed to balance flavors.
08 - Ladle hot chili into bowls. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeño as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The lean turkey keeps it light without sacrificing that rich, hearty satisfaction everyone craves when the weather turns cold
- Its naturally gluten free and packed with protein, making it the kind of meal that fuels you through whatever Sunday throws your way
02 -
- Ground turkey releases more water than beef, so dont be alarmed if theres extra liquid initially, it will cook down during simmering
- Letting the spices bloom in hot fat for that full minute is what separates average chili from the kind people remember and request
03 -
- If the chili tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar to balance everything
- The depth develops over time, so make it a day ahead when possible for the absolute best flavor