Hearty Turkey Chili
There’s something about a warm bowl of chili on a cold fall or winter night. Although this recipe does have quite a few ingredients it’s easy to throw together and you can have chili and cornbread on the table in less than an hour for sure. It’s also great for a large crowd (doubles well) meal prep and it freezes well (hello freezer meal). I have found that my family enjoys ground turkey much more than ground beef and I personally digest it much better. One thing- it’s not as flavorful so take note of the amount of spices I add to this recipe and don’t be afraid to go for it.
Comfort food at it’s finest without all the crud.
Hearty Turkey Chili
Serves 8
3 pound package ground turkey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely diced (you can use refrigerated garlic to save time)
1/2 cup salsa verde or 1 can green chilies
I jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced (optional for those who want a kick)
2 large cans crushed tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 can tomato sauce (optional). Note- if you like your chili on the "soupy" side use it. If you like your chili on the thick side then omit it the sauce.
2 cans black beans
2 cans kidney beans
2 cans pinto beans
Spices Galore-
Chili Powder
Cumin
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Peprika
Salt & Pepper
Toppings of choice. Examples-
Cilantro
Green Onions
Hot Sauce
Torilla Chips
Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream
Directions
First, it’s important to note that chili is all about the flavor. You are going to wonder if I am crazy, like really, she’s telling me to season again but I promise there are no type-os. You want to season each layer of your chili which means you start with seasoning your meat well and then you will season everything one more time after all of your ingredients are added and then you taste it again and adjust one more time if necessary. If you aren’t super comfortable with spices- remember you can always add more but you can’t take away once they are in the pot.
1) In a large stock pot heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat.
2) Add onion and a pinch of salt and saute until soft.
3) Add garlic, bell peppers and salsa verde. Saute until bell peppers begin to soften.
4)Add ground turkey.
5)Add 1 tablespoon chili powder, cumin and garlic powder. Add 1 teaspoon oregano and salt. Add 1/2 teaspoon pepper and paprika.
5)Using a wooden spoon cook ground turkey until cooked through.
6) Add beans and all tomato products.
7)Combine well.
8) Taste and add more of every spice that you have used above. Start with a teaspoon of cumin, garlic powder and chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and paprika. Stir well.
9) Let simmer on low for 20minutes, stirring occasionally making sure the bottom doesn’t burn. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm