If you’re looking for a cozy, nutritious, and flavorful dish that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl, this Turkey Apple Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the savory richness of lean ground turkey with the sweet, subtle crunch from fresh apples and hearty root vegetables, this chili offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Each spoonful delivers comfort and a touch of surprise, thanks to the clever addition of cinnamon and nutmeg that make this chili a standout meal for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating a memorable dish, and this Turkey Apple Chili Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, from the vibrant carrots adding sweetness and color, to the apples lending that unique fruity twist that elevates traditional chili.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and bringing all the flavors together smoothly.
- Sliced carrots: Add natural sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the spices.
- Diced sweet potatoes: Offer a soft, creamy texture and earthy, sweet notes.
- Diced apple: Creates a delightful, unexpected hint of fruitiness that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Ground lean turkey: A healthy protein choice that cooks up moist and flavorful.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.
- Crushed tomatoes: Form the juicy base that ties the chili together.
- Chili powder: Brings warmth and depth with just the right kick.
- Kidney beans (optional): Add heartiness and texture to make the dish even more filling.
- Onion powder, garlic powder, rubbed sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper: These spices and seasonings provide layers of aroma and flavor, with subtle warmth that makes the chili uniquely comforting.
How to Make Turkey Apple Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Apples
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced carrots, diced sweet potatoes, and diced apples along with aromatic seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, rubbed sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté this vibrant mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the vegetables to soften slightly. This foundational step develops the chili’s depth and sweetness, balancing the savory elements that come next.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, stir in the ground lean turkey, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the turkey locks in flavor and adds a hearty texture to your chili. This step transforms the chili into a protein-packed meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Spices
Once your turkey is nicely browned, it’s time to stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, reserved salt, and rubbed sage. This combination will build a punchy, savory taste with a subtle herbal lift. Mixing everything well ensures every bite is infused with bold, comforting flavors.
Step 4: Stir in Crushed Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and give the pot a good stir to combine all ingredients. The tomatoes create a luscious, juicy base that ties the dish together, making it irresistibly saucy and satisfying.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish with Beans
Reduce the heat to low-medium and let your chili simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and spices to meld perfectly with the turkey and tomatoes. If you’re including kidney beans, add them in the last few minutes just to warm through, ensuring their creamy texture shines without overcooking.
How to Serve Turkey Apple Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your turkey apple chili recipe by topping it off with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess and a cool contrast. Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or even some shredded cheese will bring extra layers of flavor and texture. A squeeze of lime can brighten up the dish and give it a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs brilliantly with classic cornbread, which offers a sweet and crumbly complement to the hearty stew. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad for some crispness or scoop it over steaming rice or quinoa to make it an even more filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this chili inside baked sweet potatoes or stuffed into warm tortillas for a chili wrap. It also makes an excellent topping for crispy baked nachos, bringing the unexpected apple chili flavor into a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey apple chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better.
Freezing
This turkey apple chili recipe freezes wonderfully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, just stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work well with the sweet and savory flavors in this chili, though turkey tends to be a bit leaner and has a richer taste.
What type of apples work best in this chili?
Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice balance to the savory and spiced elements.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
This chili has a mild warmth from chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder slightly.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans during the last 30 minutes.
What can I serve with this chili for a hearty meal?
Serving it with cornbread, rice, or roasted veggies can make the meal more substantial. A fresh salad or steamed greens also help balance the richness of the chili.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about this Turkey Apple Chili Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone craving a comforting, nutritious meal with a twist. The blend of savory turkey, sweet apples, and warm spices makes every bowl feel like a hug from the inside out. Give it a whirl and share it with loved ones—you’ll quickly see why it’s become one of my favorite chili recipes to make time and time again.
Print
Turkey Apple Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Turkey Apple Chili combining lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices for a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 2 cups diced apple
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 to 2 cans kidney beans (optional)
Spices & Seasonings
- Onion powder (to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon)
- Salt (to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon plus extra as needed)
- Black pepper (to taste, approximately ½ teaspoon)
- Rubbed sage (about 1 teaspoon plus extra for mixing)
- Cinnamon (about ½ teaspoon)
- Nutmeg (a pinch or â…› teaspoon)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Apples: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups sliced carrots, 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, and 2 cups diced apples along with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, rubbed sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the spices are fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Stir in 2 pounds of ground lean turkey and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Mix in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, additional salt, and extra rubbed sage until well combined with the meat and vegetables.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the chili simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften completely. If using kidney beans (1 to 2 cans), add them during the last few minutes of simmering just to heat through.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Using lean ground turkey keeps this chili lower in fat while still providing plenty of protein.
- Optional kidney beans add extra fiber and protein; rinse them well before adding.
- Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs if desired.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
