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    The Life Jolie » Recipes » 30 Minute Turkey Chili

    30 Minute Turkey Chili

    Published: Jan 1, 2019 · Modified: Aug 31, 2022 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    This 30 Minute Turkey Chili is one of the ultimate comfort foods- not only is it healthy and easy to make, it has the best flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, this is definitely a keeper!

    This 30 Minute Turkey Chili is one of the ultimate comfort foods- not only is it healthy and easy to make, it has the best flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, this is definitely a keeper!

    This 30 Minute Turkey Chili is one of the most ultimate comfort foods! Not only is it healthy and easy to make, but it's so quick to make and has the best flavor! Definitely a keeper!

    Turkey Chili

    This post contains Affiliate Links. Please see the disclaimer here.

    Chili is always a good ideas and it’s even better when it’s ready in 30 minutes! This is actually a very loosely adapted Rachael Ray recipe that my mom has been making for years. You know how once in a while you come across a recipes that is the magical trifecta of quick, easy and so darn delicious that it becomes your family's new go-to? This is that ground turkey chili recipe for us.

    Now all I know a lot of purists out there probably took one look at the title and did some sort of face-to-palm motion. And I get it. Chili is supposed to go for several hours to develop all of those amazing flavors. And of course there's the substitution of ground turkey for what would normally be beef. You guys, I know. My inner carnivore is also shaking her head at me right now.

    But bear with me and give this chili a shot. It may buck tradition, but it brings a slew of delicious positives as well. First of all, ain't nobody got time to be simmering chili for hours.

    Additionally, the use of ground turkey obviously makes this healthier. So I'm going to feel much less guilty about covering it in cheese and sour cream (just kidding, I never feel guilty about that! #noregrets!). But the biggest thing, forever and always, is the taste. While this may not simmer all night, in 30 minutes you're still able to pack some major punch.

    best turkey chili

    Tips for making this turkey chili recipe

    • Be sure to scrape all the brown bits off the bottom of the pan after you pour in the beer- that’s where all the flavor is!
    • If there is excess grease, be sure to drain it before adding the spices.

    Frequently asked questions about making healthy turkey chili

    • What goes with turkey chili? You can really put whatever you want on top, but I prefer sour cream, tortilla chips, sliced green onions and plenty of cheese. Avocado is also a great addition!
    • How long does this last? This will last for 3-4 days covered in the refrigerator.
    • Can you freeze turkey chili? Yes, this freezes very well!

    best turkey chili recipe

    Make it a meal!

    A few great recipes to round out and complete this meal would be:

    • Mexican Bean Salad
    • Ground Beef Oven Baked Tacos
    • Cajun Black Bean and Corn Salad
    • Guacamole

    Helpful tools:

    1. Cast iron dutch oven or this kind of dutch oven
    2. Ladle
    3. Wooden spoon
    4. Chef's knife
    5. Cutting board
    6. Measuring cups
    7. Measuring spoons

    This 30 Minute Turkey Chili is one of the most ultimate comfort foods! Not only is it healthy and easy to make, but it's so quick to make and has the best flavor! Definitely a keeper!

    30 Minute Turkey Chili

    Jessy Freimann
    This 30 Minute Turkey Chili is one of the ultimate comfort foods- not only is it healthy and easy to make, it has the best flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, this is definitely a keeper!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 ½ pounds ground turkey
    • 4 Tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 Tablespoon cumin
    • 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1-3 Tablespoon hot sauce depending on how spicy you want it (I used 1.5 Tbsp. of Franks Red Hot)
    • 1 large onion, diced (they say to reserve some on the side for topping, I just put them all in)
    • 2 bell peppers seeds removed and diced
    • 1 can beer
    • 1 14 ounce can tomato sauce
    • ½ cup BBQ sauce
    • 1 14 ounce can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
    • 2 cups corn (I used frozen)

    Toppings:

    • cheese, shredded
    • sour cream
    • green onion, chopped
    • tortilla chips
    • avocado

    Instructions
     

    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
    • Add ground turkey and brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
    • Once the turkey is browned add chili powder, cumin, Worchestershire sauce and hot sauce (if there's excess grease, drain before adding the spices). Mix well to coat the turkey.
    • Add onions an peppers and  cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
    • Add beer and deglaze the pan, scraping to get all the brown bits off of the bottom of your pan. Simmer for a 2-3 minutes to cook of the alcohol a bit.
    • Add tomato sauce,BBQ sauce, beans and corn and let it simmer and bubble for 10 minutes, stirring once in a while. Serve immediately, reheat it later, or freeze. 

    Notes

    It won't hurt it at all if you want to let it simmer for longer over a low heat, just make sure you stir it periodically.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @thelifejolie so I can share it <3

    Other great chili and soups recipes are:

    • Easy Instant Pot Chili
    • Bean and Sausage Soup
    • Easiest Ever Taco Soup
    • Ham and Potato Soup

    You can find a full index of my recipes here.

    Don’t forget to follow The Life Jolie on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

    Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post!

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    Comments

    1. Scott says

      January 18, 2016 at 10:39 am

      I used to hate corn in my chili, but recently I've had a couple good ones that made me realize that I was missing out! Never had it with turkey though!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        January 18, 2016 at 11:34 am

        I never really had corn in my chili until this recipe but now I prefer it. So odd how our tastes change.
        Reply
    2. Arti Hartel says

      January 18, 2016 at 4:19 pm

      I will try this on my next chili . Thanks for sharing it.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        January 19, 2016 at 5:04 pm

        I hope you enjoy!
        Reply
    3. Shann Eva says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:59 am

      Yum! I love chili...and all the stuff that goes on it. Plus, it sounds really good in this freezing cold weather we're having. Thanks for the recipe.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        January 20, 2016 at 4:41 pm

        My too! The toppings are totally part of the fun! Enjoy!
        Reply
    4. Jane says

      January 20, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      Chili is one of my favorite dishes, especially this time of year. I've never had chili with turkey before, can't wait to try your recipe.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        January 21, 2016 at 10:38 am

        It's one of my favorites too- you have no idea how hard it is for me not to defrost the rest of the chili in the photo (I'm trying to make a freezer stash for my maternity leave right now!)
        Reply
    5. CJ Huang | Morsels of Life says

      January 21, 2016 at 11:59 am

      This chili sounds like it's full of yummy goodness - I haven't tried a chili with corn in it, but it sounds like it'd go well with the ingredients! And if it tastes good with less time, I'd consider that a win. :)
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        January 23, 2016 at 12:17 pm

        This recipe was my first experience with corn in chili and I'm definitely a believer now! Enjoy!
        Reply
    6. Ann says

      January 22, 2016 at 12:47 pm

      Looks too good not to pin! I love it with turkey too. Yum. :) #LetsGetRealSocial
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        January 23, 2016 at 12:11 pm

        Thank you! I hope you enjoy it :)
        Reply
    7. Tennille @ Two Kids And a Budget says

      January 27, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      I love using turkey for a variety of dishes. This one sound really good, and now that the weather is so cold outside chili sounds perfect for a weeknight dinner.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        January 28, 2016 at 1:13 pm

        We love it! It is perfect on a cold day :)
        Reply

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