Ground Chipotle
Ground chipotle is the other ingredient that brings a unique and delicious flavor to this recipe. Made from chipotle peppers that have been dried and ground, this brings such a unique flavor. It is a little bit smoky with just a hint of spice. You can find it in the grocery store in the spice aisle. The seasonings in this recipe, including chili powder, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and ground chipotle, are just the right combination to give it the perfect flavor. When you let it all simmer together it becomes the most hearty delicious chili recipe.
Sauté the vegetables. Cook the onions, peppers, and garlic until they are cooked through. Cook the turkey. Add the turkey and break it up. Add the seasonings. Stir in the spices and continue cooking until the turkey is browned on the outside. Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir in the kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap the ground turkey for ground beef. Instead of ground turkey, brown some ground beef. Drain off any excess grease and proceed with the recipe as directed. Double the recipe. If you want to make a large batch of this ground turkey chili, simply double all of the ingredients. The cooking time can remain the same, though I suggest you go for the longer end of the cooking range. This is a great idea to be able to freeze some and have a quick easy meal later. See more on freezing chili below. Change out the tomatoes. If your family doesn’t like tomato chunks, use a can of crushed tomatoes instead. Since crushed tomatoes can be a bit more acidic than diced tomatoes, you may want to add some finely shredded carrots with the vegetables at the beginning or some brown sugar at the end. The sweetness will balance out the acidity. Add more or swap the beans. If kidney beans aren’t your favorite, consider using pinto or black beans. You could also simply add another can of either of those to the recipe as written. Be sure to drain and rinse your beans to control the sodium in the recipe.
Freezing Chili
This ground turkey chili is easy to make a double batch to freeze some and pull it out of the freezer for a hearty and healthy meal with no prep. Once it has cooled completely, transfer it to a container leaving an inch at the top for it to expand. Place in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat over low heat on the stovetop or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Light sour cream Pickled jalapeños Green onions Red onions Shredded cheese Chopped cilantro Corn chips
If you are just reheating a single serving, microwave covered stirring halfway through. Or, put in a small saucepan and simmer, stirring frequently, until warmed. Always use your best judgment with leftovers. If you make this turkey chili recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Homemade Cornbread Fast Easy Biscuits
Easy side salad
