Delicious Turkey Burger Chili to Warm Your Soul

I still remember the first time I made turkey burger chili. I was looking for a hearty meal that wouldn’t weigh me down or break the calorie bank. Regular chili packs a punch but can be heavy and greasy at times. Using ground turkey from turkey burgers changed the game. This turkey burger chili gave me the flavor I wanted with less fat and a lean protein boost. It’s become a staple in my kitchen — filling, comforting, and healthy.

Turkey burger chili matters because it solves a common problem: how to enjoy chili without all the guilt. It’s easy to tweak for heat levels and fits perfectly into a weeknight dinner rotation. If you’re after a healthy chili recipe that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this is it. Plus, it’s great if you want a low-fat chili that still feels satisfying. The ground turkey chili version I make gets better every time I tweak it, especially when I throw in beans for texture and a bit of heat to keep things interesting.

You can serve this spicy turkey chili for family meals, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep for busy weeks. The recipe is straightforward, and ingredients are easy to find. Every time I make turkey burger chili, people ask for seconds. That’s why I want you to try it — to see how practical and delicious ground turkey chili can be in your kitchen. I’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to serving tips, all so you get consistent, tasty results.

1 pound ground turkey (use turkey burger meat, about 93% lean)
(Substitution: Lean ground chicken works if you prefer)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro

When shopping for turkey burger chili, pick lean turkey that’s fresh, ideally from a butcher or trusted brand. Keep your beans in the pantry sealed tight for long shelf life. Fresh garlic and onions are key for depth, but jarred or minced garlic works if you’re in a pinch.

This turkey chili with beans balances lean protein with fiber and flavor. If you want it even lower in fat, skip the olive oil or use cooking spray. My go-to ground turkey chili prep combines these basics but feel free to swap beans or adjust spice levels depending on what you like. Turkey burger chili is flexible and forgiving.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly.

2. Add chopped onions. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. You should smell the sweetness as they cook.

3. Toss in minced garlic. Stir frequently to avoid burning, cooking for about 1 minute. Garlic aroma should fill your kitchen here.

4. Add the pound of ground turkey burger meat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it browns. Let it cook for 6-8 minutes. You want no pink left, with some browned edges developing for extra flavor.

5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey. Stir well to coat all the meat and onions evenly with the spices. Cook one minute more to bloom the spices.

6. Stir in tomato paste, mixing thoroughly. This step deepens the chili’s tomato flavor.

7. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Mix everything well.

8. Add the drained kidney beans and black beans if you’re using them. Beans add texture and substance, making this more than just a low-fat chili.

9. Bring everything up to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and let it cook gently for 25-30 minutes. This allows flavors to marry.

10. Taste and adjust salt or spice as needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth.

This turkey burger chili will thicken slightly as it cooks. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom. Cooking times are approximate—if you have a busy kitchen moment, no worries, this chili holds well at low heat for longer.

That’s it! You’re ready to enjoy a healthy chili recipe that’s flavorful and simple. The turkey burger chili freezes well, so consider making a big batch.

I usually ladle turkey burger chili into wide bowls, topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro brightens it up. I serve this spicy turkey chili with classic cornbread or simple brown rice.

For sides, grab a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Turkey burger chili is perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings. It’s filling but light, so no heavy feeling afterward. You can also pack leftovers in microwave-safe containers to reheat for lunches or quick dinners.

If you want a twist, try turkey chili with beans alongside baked sweet potatoes or in a bread bowl as a heartier option. It holds up well to toppings and pairs nicely with mild sides that don’t overpower the flavor.

Casual game days or slow weekend evenings call for this ground turkey chili. It meets that need for a low-fat chili with big taste but no fuss. Serving turkey burger chili gets my family coming back for more and asking me to save extra for workdays.

Can I make turkey burger chili in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the turkey, onions, and garlic first, then dump everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It will taste just as good and saves hands-on time.

Can I skip the beans?
You can leave them out, but beans add fiber and bulk. Without beans, it’s a lean turkey chili, still delicious but lighter.

What if I don’t have kidney beans?
Black beans or pinto beans work well too. Just rinse and drain canned beans to reduce sodium.

How spicy is turkey burger chili?
It’s mild-medium by default, thanks to the chili powder and cayenne. Adjust the cayenne or add crushed red peppers for a spicier turkey chili with beans.

Can I use ground chicken instead?
Sure thing. Lean ground chicken works similarly but brown the meat thoroughly for flavor.

Is this a healthy chili recipe?
Absolutely. Using ground turkey burger meat, beans, and controlled oil gives you protein with lower fat. Great for weeknight meals.

How long does turkey burger chili keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Turkey burger chili is convenient, protein-packed, and versatile. Every time I get questions about making chili healthier or leaner, I suggest this recipe.

Turkey burger chili works because it balances flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. It doesn’t need complicated spices or long cooking. This chili hits all the essentials: good texture, deep flavor, and enough heat to keep it interesting.

Three tips to nail your turkey burger chili:
1. Brown your turkey well for flavor. Don’t rush this step.
2. Use fresh garlic and onions for an aromatic base.
3. Adjust spices slowly. You can always add more but can’t take away heat.

I’ve tried variations with ground chicken, added bell peppers, and even swapped kidney beans for chickpeas. Each time the turkey burger chili stays hearty and satisfying. You can customize with your favorite beans or skip them for a low-fat chili.

Give this recipe a shot. Try adding your favorite chili toppings or sides. Once you master this turkey burger chili, it will be your go-to when you want a simple, healthy chili that impresses every time.

If you want more practical recipes like this, check out my recipe collection here, or grab tips on healthy weeknight dinners from my blog. For variations with beans or different proteins, here’s a helpful resource to help.

This turkey burger chili keeps me coming back because it fits real cooking—easy to make, flexible, and delicious. You’re going to love it too. For additional inspiration, check out The Best Healthy Turkey Chili You’ll Ever Eat | Ambitious Kitchen, Best Turkey Chili Recipe (simple and saucy!) – The Kitchen Girl, and Low Calorie Chili with Turkey | Healthy & Hearty Dinner | Noble Pig.