Turkey Chili Holidays is a delightful way to celebrate the season with warmth and flavor. This hearty, healthy recipe is packed with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and vibrant spices. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish embodies comfort food at its finest. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Chili Holidays

You will adore this Turkey Chili Holidays for numerous reasons. First, it brings together a blend of rich flavors that warms the soul during chilly months. Second, it’s a healthy alternative to traditional beef chili, making it a nutritious option for holiday feasts. Third, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with various toppings. Fourth, this dish is ideal for meal prep, letting you enjoy leftovers without fuss. Fifth, it’s perfect for potlucks, ensuring you’ll leave a lasting impression. This turkey chili is also suitable for family feasts and gatherings, making it a must-try recipe for the holidays.

Ingredients for Turkey Chili Holidays

Gather these items:

2 Tbsp olive oil
20 oz 93% lean ground turkey
1 red bell pepper, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 (8 oz each) cans tomato sauce
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (plus 1/2 cup more if desired)
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground paprika (smoked or sweet)
1/2 tsp ground coriander
2 (14.5 oz) cans red kidney beans (1 light, 1 dark), drained and rinsed
Optional toppings: cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

How to Make Turkey Chili Holidays Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: In the same pot, add remaining olive oil. Sauté chopped bell pepper and onion for 4 minutes.
Step 3: Add garlic, chili powders, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Step 4: Return the turkey to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Stir in kidney beans and additional broth if needed. Simmer for another 2 minutes until beans are heated through.
Step 7: Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Chili Holidays

Keep these in mind:

This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Adjust spices to suit your taste.
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Turkey Chili Holidays

This turkey chili is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side of cornbread for a comforting dinner or over rice for a heartier meal. You can also serve it in bread bowls for a festive touch. Consider adding Turkey chili toppings for holiday meals like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro to elevate the experience.

Turkey Chili Holidays: 7 Hearty Recipes for Festive Gatherings - Turkey Chili Holidays - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Chili Holidays

To store your Turkey Chili Holidays, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This is a fantastic option for Turkey chili meal prep for holiday leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Chili Holidays

What’s the secret to perfect Turkey Chili Holidays?

The secret lies in the spices! Make sure to bloom them with the garlic and onions for maximum flavor. A combination of chili powders and cumin enhances the taste, making it a standout dish for winter celebrations.

Can I make Turkey Chili Holidays ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for Turkey chili recipes for the holidays that you can prepare in advance for Thanksgiving or Christmas parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Turkey Chili Holidays?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your turkey is browned properly before adding other ingredients. Also, don’t rush the simmering process; it allows the flavors to develop fully. This step is crucial for achieving a satisfying dish!

Variations of Turkey Chili Holidays You Can Try

Consider trying a Healthy turkey chili for holiday gatherings by adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach. For a vegetarian-friendly option, substitute the turkey with lentils or mushrooms. Another fun variation is to incorporate different beans for a unique twist, making it suitable for diverse dietary preferences.

For more delicious recipes, check out homemade tomato sauce or spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can also explore veggie burgers with avocado green harissa for a delightful twist on your holiday meals.

Turkey Chili Holidays: 7 Hearty Recipes for Festive Gatherings

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A hearty and healthy turkey chili recipe packed with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and flavorful spices—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale

2 Tbsp olive oil
20 oz 93% lean ground turkey
1 red bell pepper, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 (8 oz each) cans tomato sauce
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (plus 1/2 cup more if desired)
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground paprika (smoked or sweet)
1/2 tsp ground coriander
2 (14.5 oz) cans red kidney beans (1 light, 1 dark), drained and rinsed
Optional toppings: cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

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Instructions

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Transfer to a plate.
In the same pot, add remaining olive oil. Sauté chopped bell pepper and onion for 4 minutes.
Add garlic, chili powders, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Return the turkey to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in kidney beans and additional broth if needed. Simmer for another 2 minutes until beans are heated through.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.