This 3-Bean Turkey Chili Recipe brings together the heartiness of the beans, lean goodness of the ground turkey, and a nice blend of spices. It’s comfort food that’s ideal for any day of the week, and freezer-friendly.
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Who else besides myself enjoys eating chili all year round? Like most Autumn season lovers, I too get a little more excited when the cooler months roll around. because we all know it’s time to break out the crockpot and bowls. But truth be told, I keep my crockpot out and a bowl ready! LOL
To prepare for the Fall/Winter season, I start shopping for all of my canned goods, like kidney and pinto beans, during July and August. Thank goodness we usually keep cans of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce on hand. These are staples we try to keep in the pantry as well as keeping dry beans.
However for this recipe I decided to go with the canned beans instead of dry beans simply because I wanted this chili to be quick, simple to make and good. this chili is definitely a hit in our household and I’m sure it will be a crowd pleaser for your family or friends.
Now let’s make some chili.
3 Beans Turkey Chili Ingredients
(Please see the Recipe Card)
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for making 3 Bean Turkey Chili and how they enhance the overall flavor.
- Ground Turkey: I opted for 1.5 lbs. of ground turkey as a leaner meat alternative for this recipe. This choice makes it a healthier option for those managing their fat intake.
- Beans: Using canned beans makes this recipe straightforward. I prefer the three-bean mix for its variety of flavors. I used 1 can of black beans, 1 can of chili beans, and 1 can of red beans.
- Spices: I used chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Vegetables: 1 onion and 1 bell pepper. Feel free to chop or dice to the size that you prefer. For a chunky texture in chili, chop veggies into large pieces.
Other Ingredients:
- Tomato Sauce
- Diced Tomatoes
- Chicken Broth
- Brown Sugar
Want more Comfort Food recipes? You should try my Southern Comfort Green Beans or Red Beans and Rice
Crockpot or Stovetop
One great thing about this recipe is that you have the option to cook it in a crockpot or on the stovetop. It’s really up to your personal preference. Although I usually make this chili on the stovetop, this time I chose to put it in the crockpot.
This method of cooking wasn’t to cook it for a long time; it was a semi-dump n go type of meal. After I sauteed the veggie and browned my ground turkey, I just dumped everything else into the crockpot, covered it with the lid, and let it warm for a period to allow all the flavors to come together.
Tip: (The longer the chili simmers the better the flavors comes together. Allow to simmer at least an hour).
Ways to Serve 3 Bean Turkey Chili?
Chili is one of those comfort meals that allows a wide range of options. Here are a few serving suggestions.
Garnishes –Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Avocado slices or diced, jalapeno Side Dish – Buttermilk, Sweet or Jalapeno Cornbread, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Garden Salad Meal Ideas – Chili Cheese Fries, Chili Dogs, Baked Potato topped with 3 beans Chili
How to freeze 3 Bean Turkey Chili
Rather you’re wanting to make this chili recipe ahead or storing the leftovers, it’s a great way to preserve for when you’re ready to enjoy. Here are a few tips to freeze chili.
- Remember to allow the chili to cool to room temperature before freezing.
- Afterward, divide your chili into smaller portions to make it easier to thaw and reheat.
- When storing, use an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn if you’re using freezer bags.
- Label each container or bag with the date you placed it in the freezer; chili can last up to 4 to 6 months.
- When placing your chili in the freezer, freeze it in a single layer so it will freeze quickly and evenly.
Turkey Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot optional
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs. Ground Turkey
- 1 15 oz. can Chili Beans rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz. can Black Beans rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz. can Red Beans rinsed and drained
- 1 medium Onion
- 1 medium Bell Pepper
- 2 tbsp. Chili Powder
- 1½ tsp. Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
- 1½ tbsp. Garlic Powder
- 2 Bay leaf
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 can Tomato Paste
- 2 can Tomato Sauce
- 1 can Diced Tomato
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat, then add the ground turkey. Cook the turkey, breaking up the meat as it browns. Once browned, transfer the turkey to the slow cooker.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers for 3-5 minutes, or until the veggies have softened. Then transfer them into the crockpot as well.
- Drain the cans of beans of it liquids and add into the crockpot. and add all other ingredients such as the spices, chicken stock, brown sugar, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Stir until all the ingredients well and cover with lid. Allow to heat for 35- 40 minutes. then serve with your favorite toppings.
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