Turkey Apple Chili Recipe
This hearty Turkey Apple Chili combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, apples, and a blend of warming spices to create a flavorful and comforting meal. Perfect for cooler evenings, this chili balances savory and sweet notes with a gentle kick of chili powder, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 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)
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
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- 2 tsp chili powder
Protein
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 1–2 cans kidney beans (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook vegetables: Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and heat it over medium heat on the stovetop. 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 pinch of nutmeg. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to slightly soften the vegetables and meld the spices.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the turkey is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
- Incorporate tomato paste and spices: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout the meat and vegetables.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of strained tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the chili: Reduce heat to low-medium and let the chili cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to tenderize. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add kidney beans (optional): If using kidney beans, add them during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the chili light and healthy.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
- Adding apples provides a subtle natural sweetness that balances the savory spices.
- Kidney beans can be substituted with black beans or pinto beans based on preference.
- This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
Keywords: Turkey chili, apple chili, ground turkey recipe, healthy chili, sweet potato chili, autumn chili
Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/turkey-apple-chili-recipe/
