Kid-Friendly Turkey Chili
Perfectly hearty, deliciously healthy, and 100% kid-approved, this turkey chili will become your new go-to meal for those crazy-busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey 85/15 for better flavor and texture; leaner turkey can become rubbery
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that kids love)
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
Spices
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon trust me, it adds a subtle sweetness kids love!
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). This mix adds sweetness and color—perfect for sneaking in extra veggies!
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5 minutes).
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Using 85/15 turkey ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
- Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cinnamon).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a deep, smoky flavor that’s subtle enough for kids but gives the chili a gourmet edge.
- Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. The beans add texture, protein, and heartiness to the dish—making it filling for growing kids.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and let everyone customize with their favorite toppings. From cheese and sour cream to crushed tortilla chips and green onions, the options are endless.
Notes
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezer: Turkey chili freezes like a dream! Divide into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Lay the bags flat to save space.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the chili a day in advance; the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for scooping. Kids especially love breaking chips into their bowl for some crunch.
- Healthy: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to round out the meal.
- Kid-Approved: Offer fun toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, or even a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Game Day Ready: Turn this into a chili bar by setting out multiple toppings and letting everyone build their own bowl.
Tips and Hacks
- Shortcut: Use pre-chopped onion and bell pepper from the grocery store to save time.
- One-Pot Wonder: Skip the separate bean rinsing step by using pre-rinsed beans from a carton.
- Picky Eater Hack: Purée the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and beans before adding them for a smoother texture that hides the veggies.
- Time-Saving Tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy meal down the road.