Turkey Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1 small bell pepper (or sweet pepper, chopped (use roasted red pepper for bigger flavor!))
• 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped (optional, for spicy))
• 4 cloves garlic chopped
• 1.5 pounds ground turkey
• 1/4 cup chili powder ((I use a mix of ancho and guajillo powder))
• 2 15 ounce cans pinto beans (drained (or use red kidney beans))
• 3 cans fire roasted tomatoes ((45 ounces total))
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Hot sauce (to taste)
• FOR SERVING: Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or any of your favorites

Steps

1. 1

   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes, until very soft and lightly caramelized around the edges. (Big flavor-building step.)

2. 2

   Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink and most of the moisture has cooked off.

3. 3

   Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. 4

   Push the turkey and veggies to one side of the pot, leaving a clear spot on the bottom. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the empty side, then sprinkle in the chili powder. Stir the chili powder in the oil for about 30 seconds, just until very fragrant - don’t let it burn - then stir it into the turkey mixture. (Another big flavor-building step.)

5. 5

   Stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, beans, cumin, chili flakes, and a splash of hot sauce. Add broth or water if you need to loosen it to your preferred chili consistency.

6. 6

   Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook the chili for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened and deeply flavorful. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. Taste and adjust salt and seasonings as desired.

7. 7

   Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite fixings.