Touchdown Turkey Chili Cheddar (Printable)
A rich dish featuring ground turkey, beans, spices, and sharp cheddar for satisfying comfort.
# What You'll Need:
→ Turkey & Aromatics
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 1/2 pounds 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
07 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Tomatoes & Beans
14 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
16 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Toppings
19 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
20 - 1/2 cup sour cream
21 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
22 - 1 jalapeño, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
02 - Stir in onion, garlic, and both bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeño if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Feeds a hungry crowd without breaking the bank or your schedule
- The turkey keeps it light while the spices deliver that deep, slow-cooked flavor
02 -
- Letting the spices toast in the fat for that minute changes everything—skip this and you lose depth
- The chili needs those 30 minutes uncovered to thicken properly, otherwise it never quite comes together
03 -
- Drain the diced tomatoes well, otherwise the chili never reaches that perfect thick consistency
- Grate your own cheddar instead of buying pre-shredded—it melts so much better