Turkey and Vegetable Chili

You know those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping a delicious dinner will magically appear? I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. That’s exactly why I created this Turkey and Vegetable Chili. It’s my go-to solution for a meal that feels cozy and cooked-with-love, but honestly, comes together with minimal fuss. Forget slaving over the stove for hours; we’re about 30 minutes away from a seriously satisfying bowl of awesome.

Try my Sweet Potato Turkey Chili recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, this chili is about to become your new best friend. Here’s why:

→ It’s Seriously Simple. From chopping to serving, you’re about 30 minutes away from a steaming bowl of comfort. The steps are straightforward, and cleanup is a breeze.

→ Healthy, But Doesn’t Taste Like It. Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, this chili is a nutritional powerhouse. But the best part? It tastes so hearty and satisfying, you’d never guess it’s on the lighter side.

→ Your Wallet Will Thank You. For around $20, you get a delicious, from-scratch meal that feeds a family of six. That’s a major win for your taste buds and your budget.

→ Weeknight Hero. Crazy busy? This recipe is your salvation. It comes together incredibly fast on a busy weeknight, making a home-cooked dinner totally achievable.

→ Crazy Customizable. Not a fan of zucchini? Swap it for corn. Want some heat? Throw in a diced jalapeño. This recipe is a fantastic base for you to make your own.

→ The Leftovers Are Chef's Kiss. Honestly, it might taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to mingle. It’s the gift that keeps on giving

Try my Ground Turkey Tacos recipe.

What You'll Need To Make

I love this recipe because it’s a powerhouse of simple, good-for-you ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Here’s the lowdown on a few of my favorites:

• Lean Ground Turkey: This is our protein hero! It gives the chili a hearty, satisfying base without the grease of ground beef, keeping things light but still super flavorful.
• The Veggie Squad: We’re not shy on color or nutrients here! The dynamic trio of onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini adds a wonderful sweetness, a slight crunch, and makes every spoonful vibrant and fresh.
• Flavor Power-Ups: The chili powder is obviously the spice rack MVP, bringing that warm, cozy depth we all crave. And don’t you dare rinse those pinto beans the starchy liquid from the can is my secret trick for giving the chili a beautifully thick body.
• The Toppings Bar: This is where the party starts! The cool, creamy avocado and sour cream paired with the sharp cheddar cheese are non-negotiable for me. They create the perfect creamy, tangy contrast to the rich and spicy chili.

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You'll Need To Do

Time required: 40 mins Serves: 6

1| Sizzle Start: Grab your biggest pot and get it nice and warm over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and once it’s shimmering and sizzly, toss in your onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Give it all a good stir and let those veggies get friendly for about 5 minutes, until the onion looks a little translucent.

2| Turkey Time: Now, introduce the ground turkey to the party! Break it up with your spoon and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until there’s no more pink left. We’re building flavor here!

3| The Big Simmer: This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle in the chili powder and a good crack of black pepper. Then, dump in the pinto beans (with their liquid!), the diced tomatoes, and the broth. Give everything a hearty stir to combine.

4| Bubble and Thicken: Bring your chili to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it bubble away uncovered for about 20 minutes, giving it an occasional stir. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thickened up nicely and the veggies are perfectly tender.

5| The Grand Finale: Ladle that beautiful, steaming chili into bowls. Now for the best part the toppings! Generously crown each bowl with a heap of coarsely chopped avocado, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and a glorious dollop of sour cream. Dig in and enjoy

Glycemic Index (GI): Low (Approx. 30-40) Glycemic Load (GL): Low (Approx. 6-8)

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! Here are some simple swaps to mix things up:

• Ground Turkey: Feel free to use ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. They all work wonderfully.
• The Veggies: No zucchini? No problem! Try diced carrots, sweet corn, or mushrooms. Swap the red bell pepper for green, orange, or yellow whatever is on sale!
• Beans: Pinto beans are classic, but black beans, kidney beans, or a can of chili beans would be just as delicious.
• Liquid: If you don't have broth, water works totally fine. For a richer flavor, you could use beef broth or even a bottle of dark beer.
• Spice it Up: Like a little heat? Add a diced jalapeño with the other veggies or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes with the chili powder.
• Toppings: The topping bar is your playground! Try sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or tortilla chips for some crunch.

Try my Turkey and Green Onion Breakfast Patties recipe.

Twist and Tweak Ideas

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try one of these simple twists to create a whole new flavor experience!

• Smoky & Spicy Twist: Stir in 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) when you add the chili powder. They add an incredible smoky depth and a nice kick of heat.
• "Taco Night" Twist: Swap the chili powder for 2 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning. It’s a simple switch that gives it a familiar, family-friendly flavor everyone loves.
• White Chicken Chili Twist: For a totally different look and taste, use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken, cannellini or great northern beans, and add a pinch of cumin and oregano. Stir in a little cream or cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
• Umami Boost: For a richer, deeper flavor, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste when you're cooking the ground turkey, letting it caramelize for a minute before adding the other liquids.
• Creamy & Cozy Twist: For a thicker, creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot, or stir in 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the very end.
• Sweet & Savory Twist: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the spices perfectly.

Try my Tasty Turkey and Sun-Dried Tomato Pinwheels recipe.

My Pro Tips for the Best Chili

These little tricks will make your chili foolproof and help you get the most flavor out of every ingredient!

• Don't Drain Those Beans! The starchy liquid in the can of pinto beans is our secret weapon. It helps thicken the chili naturally, so just dump it all in.
• Brown the Turkey Well. Don't just cook the turkey until it's not pink. Let it get a little golden brown in spots before breaking it up. This adds a ton of flavor you'd miss out on otherwise.
• Bloom Your Spices. Add the chili powder directly to the turkey and veggies in the hot pot and stir for 30 seconds before adding the liquid. This "blooms" the spices and makes their flavor richer and warmer.
• Taste and Adjust at the End. Always give your chili a taste after it's finished simmering. Does it need more salt? A pinch more chili powder? This is your chance to make it perfect for you.
• The Topping Bar is Key. Don't skip the toppings! The cool, creamy sour cream and avocado are essential for balancing the warm spices in the chili. It's all about that contrast.
• Want a Thicker Chili? If you like your chili super thick, let it simmer with the lid off for an extra 5-10 minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate.
• It's Better the Next Day. Like most soups and stews, the flavors in this chili meld and become even more delicious as leftovers. It's the perfect make-ahead meal!

Try my Turkey Meatballs with Cilantro Dip recipe.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Making a delicious, hearty meal doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are my favorite ways to keep this chili easy on the wallet:

• Buy in Bulk: Ground turkey is often much cheaper per pound when you purchase a larger family-size pack. You can cook the recipe as is and freeze the extra turkey for next time, or double the entire chili recipe and freeze portions for future easy meals.
• Seasoning Savings: If you have a basic spice rack, make your own chili powder! A mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper works wonderfully and is often cheaper than pre-mixed blends.
• Broth vs. Water: Don't feel pressured to use broth! While it adds flavor, water works perfectly fine in this recipe. The spices, tomatoes, and sautéed veggies create a very flavorful base on their own.
• Frozen Veggie Power: Feel free to swap the fresh bell pepper and zucchini for a bag of frozen mixed peppers, corn, or a "soup vegetable" blend. It’s just as nutritious and often more affordable, especially when certain veggies are out of season.
• Bean Stretch: To make the chili even more filling and stretch it further, add an extra can of beans. Pinto, black, or kidney beans are all inexpensive and work great.
• Check for Sales: Keep an eye on weekly grocery flyers. If ground chicken or even lean ground beef is on a better sale than turkey, grab it! They are easy 1:1 swaps.
• Topping Tricks: Instead of buying a whole tub of sour cream, see if your store sells smaller, single-serving containers. You can also stretch a smaller amount of cheese by finely shredding it yourself it goes further than pre-shredded bags!

Try my Ground Turkey and White Bean Soup recipe.

Serving Ideas

This chili is a superstar all on its own, but pairing it with the right side can turn it into a full-blown feast! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it up:

• The Classic Combo: Serve it in a cozy bowl with a side of cornbread or buttermilk biscuits. There's nothing better for dipping into that flavorful broth!
• The Hearty Bowl: For the ultimate comfort meal, spoon the chili over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even creamy polenta. It's the perfect way to stretch it for a crowd.
• The "Frito Pie" Fun: Crumble a handful of corn chips or Fritos right into the bottom of your bowl before ladling in the chili. Top with cheese and sour cream for that classic fairground treat vibe.
• The Baked Potato Topper: Forget plain ol' butter! Load up a fluffy baked potato with a generous scoop of this chili for the ultimate satisfying lunch or dinner.
• The Game Day Spread: Serve the chili in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting for a crowd-pleasing game day appetizer. Let everyone top their own small cups, and offer extra toppings like diced red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
• The Light & Fresh Pairing: Balance the cozy chili with a simple, crisp green salad tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette. The freshness is a perfect contrast to the rich and spicy chili.

Try my Turkey and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This chili might be even better the next day as the flavors meld! Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh and delicious.

Storing Your Chili:

• Let the chili cool completely before storing this is key for food safety and keeping its texture.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing for Later:

• This chili is a fantastic freezer meal! Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving a little room for expansion.
• It will keep its best quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Pro Tip: For easy portioning, freeze it in individual servings!

Reheating to Perfection:

• From the Fridge: Gently reheat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a small splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
• From the Frozen: The best way is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
• In a Pinch (from frozen): You can reheat it directly from frozen. Place the frozen block in a pot with a few tablespoons of water or broth. Cover and warm it over low heat, breaking it up and stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave Method: For a single serving, reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring every 60 seconds until hot.

Try my Egg and Turkey Stuffed Peppers recipe.

Final Thoughts

And that’s it, my friend a pot of pure comfort that’s ready in no time. I really hope this chili becomes a trusted favorite in your home kitchen like it is in mine. Give it a shot, don’t be shy with the toppings, and let me know how it turns out for you. Now, go grab a spoon and dig in.

Recipe Card