Ground Turkey Chili with Black Beans
A hearty and comforting Ground Turkey Chili with Black Beans simmered in spices, bell peppers, and onions. This wholesome dish brings rich flavor and warmth to every spoonful—perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 carrot chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 cups red bell peppers chopped
- Salt to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 2 tsp)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 lb ground turkey preferably turkey thighs for richer flavor
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 15-oz cans black beans drained
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté the vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and red bell peppers, followed by a pinch of salt. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Incorporate the aromatics and spices:
- Add the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.
Brown the ground turkey:
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the meat is no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Combine the liquids and seasonings:
- Stir in the chicken stock, tomato paste, oregano, bay leaf, and apple cider vinegar. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these contribute rich depth to the flavor.
Simmer the chili:
- Add the drained black beans to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow the chili to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken and finish:
- Remove the lid and continue simmering uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, or until the chili reaches your preferred consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Season and serve:
- Taste and adjust with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot with steamed rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
Notes
To make this recipe fully gluten-free, ensure the chicken stock and chili powder you use are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives or cross-contaminants. Also, check the tomato paste label to confirm it’s free from gluten-containing stabilizers. Serve with gluten-free cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips to complete the meal.