Quick and Easy Maple Turkey Chili Recipe
This Quick and Easy Maple Turkey Chili is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring lean ground turkey simmered with fire roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, and a touch of pure maple syrup, this chili balances savory spices with a subtle sweetness. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and packed with protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Meat and Spices
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Liquid and Add-ins
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 to 3/4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions, red bell peppers, and minced garlic along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey and another pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the meat and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the mixture for 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and deepen in flavor.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, drained pinto beans, chicken stock, and pure maple syrup. Stir everything together evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips, sliced avocado, and sour cream for an added creamy texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to reduce fat content while keeping the dish hearty.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness, but you can substitute it with honey or brown sugar if needed.
- Serve with cornbread or a green salad for a full meal.
