Turkey Apple Chili Recipe

Introduction

Turkey Apple Chili is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional chili, combining lean ground turkey with sweet apples and hearty vegetables. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory spices and subtle sweetness, making it a delicious meal for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
• 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered, about 2 smaller sweet potatoes)
• 2 cups diced apple (from about 2 apples)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1½ teaspoons rubbed sage, divided
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• A sprinkle of nutmeg
• 2 pounds ground lean turkey
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce
• 1–2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink.
4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, ½ teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the tomato paste.
5. Step 5: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir everything together.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low-medium and let cook for 20–30 minutes to develop flavors. If using kidney beans, add them at the end and heat through before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the turkey.
• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor twist.
• Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency. This chili also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, adding beans in the last 30 minutes.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes and apples?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, but peel if you prefer a smoother texture in your chili.

Turkey Apple Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 129 reviews

This Turkey Apple Chili is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey, sweet apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes with a blend of warming spices and tomatoes. It offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it a comforting autumn or winter dish. The recipe is cooked on the stovetop, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully and creating a satisfying chili that’s full of texture and depth.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Fruits

• 2 cups sliced carrots (approximately 2 large carrots)
• 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered, about 2 smaller sweet potatoes)
• 2 cups diced apples (from about 2 apples)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp rubbed sage, divided
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Sprinkle of nutmeg
• 2 tsp chili powder

Protein and Sauces

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs ground lean turkey
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce
• 1–2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat Olive Oil and Cook Vegetables and Apples: Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and heat it over medium stove top heat. Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Stir well with a spatula and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables while allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Add and Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground lean turkey to the pot. Break it up into smaller pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook the turkey for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, enhancing the chili’s depth of flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes: Pour in 3 cups crushed tomatoes and 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce). Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low-medium and allow the chili to cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to develop further and the vegetables to become tender.
6. Add Kidney Beans (Optional): If using kidney beans, stir them in toward the end of the cooking time, just before serving, to heat through without becoming mushy.

Notes

• You can adjust the number of kidney beans based on preference; rinsing canned beans beforehand reduces sodium content.
• If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use lean turkey to keep this chili lower in fat without sacrificing protein.
• For a thicker chili, cook uncovered during simmering to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Keywords: turkey chili, apple chili, healthy chili, ground turkey recipe, autumn recipes, sweet potato chili, lean turkey chili, stovetop chili