Cozy Turkey Apple Chili Recipe
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of chili simmering on the stove. The blend of spices wafting through the house, combined with the sweet aroma of apples and sweet potatoes, invites a sense of warmth and togetherness. This Turkey Apple Chili is not only a deliciously hearty dish, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding me of chilly autumn evenings spent with loved ones, enjoying cozy meals together.
With the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your soul and delight your taste buds. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the sweetness from the apples and sweet potatoes, making it appealing for everyone at the table.
- Quick and Easy: This chili comes together in just about an hour, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Nutritious: Packed with lean turkey and a variety of vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Warm and Cozy: Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish wraps you in warmth like a soft blanket.
- Easily Customizable: You can tweak ingredients to match your family’s tastes or what you have on hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Turkey Apple Chili
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots (this was 2 large carrots for me)
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered; this was 2 smaller sweet potatoes for me)
- 2 cups diced apple (this was from 2 apples for me)
- 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
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 1-2 cans kidney beans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and turn the stove top up to medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pan. Top 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. Mix with a spatula and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it up into smaller pieces, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes, mixing everything together.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. If you’re using kidney beans, add them at the end to heat through.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy finish.
- Toppings Galore: Top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crispy turkey bacon for added texture and flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to sneak in more nutrition.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This chili can be made a day ahead! Just cool it down, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Perfect Slicing: When slicing sweet potatoes and carrots, use a sharp knife for ease and ensure even cooking.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand or prefer, and use different beans if desired.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
How long does it last?
If stored properly, this turkey apple chili lasts about 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Turkey Apple Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a reminder of home and family. Each bowl is filled with comfort, nourishment, and the wonderful aromas of fall. Save this Turkey Apple Chili to your Dinner Ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and love!
Print
Cozy Turkey Apple Chili
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A comforting turkey chili with a blend of sweet apples and savory spices, perfect for autumn evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes
- 2 cups diced apple
- 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
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 1–2 cans kidney beans
Instructions
- Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and turn the stove top up to medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pan. Top with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, rubbed sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix with a spatula and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it up into smaller pieces, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, chili powder, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes, mixing everything together.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. If using kidney beans, add them at the end to heat through.
Notes
This chili can be made a day ahead and tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
