Chef John's Turkey Chili

4.7
(155)

I served this turkey chili with cocoa powder with some beautifully ripe slices of avocado that gives the final bowl another layer of silky richness. By the way, don't let the cocoa powder in our chili spice mixture throw you off! It's only a small amount, and it really works. My chili was garnished with sour cream, diced jalapeño, cilantro, and avocado.

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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

Secret Spice Mix:

  • ¼ cup ancho chile powder

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 2 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground dried chipotle pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

  • teaspoon ground cinnamon

Chili:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 ½ pounds ground turkey

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup tomato puree

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 (12 ounce) cans pinquito or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

  1. Make the spice mix: Mix ancho chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, chipotle pepper, oregano, cocoa powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.

  2. Make the chili: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in ground turkey and garlic. Cook and stir until turkey is no longer pink, breaking up any large chunks, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in spice mixture. Cook until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.

  3. Stir in tomato purée and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook until turkey meat is broken down, about 1 hour. Stir in beans, and continue to simmer until flavors have blended, 20 to 30 more minutes.

264 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

448 Calories
19g Fat
28g Carbs
45g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 448
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 140mg 47%
Sodium 1635mg 71%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 9g 33%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 45g 90%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 133mg 10%
Iron 7mg 39%
Potassium 1024mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.