If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, Turkey Apple Chili is the perfect choice! This comforting dish combines lean turkey, sweet apples, and hearty vegetables for a satisfying bowl of goodness. Ideal for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers, this chili will warm you up and keep you full. Let’s dive into why you should make this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple preparation with minimal fuss.
- Packed with Goodness: Rich in nutrients from apples, sweet potatoes, and beans.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Excellent for family dinners, game days, or meal prep.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A unique balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Comforting & Satisfying: Each bowl brings warmth and satisfaction.
This Turkey Apple Chili stands out with its unique blend of sweet apples and savory turkey, creating a delicious flavor that’s both comforting and exciting!
Ingredients Needed
For the base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered)
- 2 cups diced apple
For the seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
For the chili:
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 1-2 cans kidney beans (optional)
How to Make Turkey Apple Chili
- Heat the Oil: Start by adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, sweet potatoes, and diced apples. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Also add 1 teaspoon of rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Turkey: Once the veggies have softened slightly, add the ground turkey. Cook for another 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned.
- Mix in the Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sage, and 1 teaspoon of salt until everything is well mixed.
- Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes, mixing thoroughly. Allow the mixture to reduce the heat to low-medium.
- Simmer: Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’re using kidney beans, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your Turkey Apple Chili hot in a bowl. It can be topped with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. This chili is perfect for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier version, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can also swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef if you prefer.
- Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving can enhance flavors even further!
Conclusion
This Turkey Apple Chili is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy and filling meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share on social media, and let us know: What variations did you try?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken for the turkey in this recipe. The flavor will be similar!
How do I make this chili spicier?
To add some heat, include chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes in the mixture while cooking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Print
Turkey Apple Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful chili combining lean turkey, sweet apples, and hearty vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered)
- 2 cups diced apple
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 1–2 cans kidney beans (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced carrots, sweet potatoes, and diced apples. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Also add 1 teaspoon of rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the veggies have softened slightly, add the ground turkey. Cook for another 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sage, and 1 teaspoon of salt until everything is well mixed.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes, mixing thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low-medium.
- Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using kidney beans, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Notes
For a spicier version, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Ground turkey can be swapped for ground chicken or beef if preferred. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving can enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg