There’s something so cozy and hearty about a big pot of Turkey Burger Chili simmering on the stove, especially on those chilly evenings where the day’s hustle finally settles and the aroma fills the whole house. I still remember the first time I whipped up this Turkey Burger Chili—it was one of those afternoons where I realized I wanted a meal that was both comforting and wholesome, without weighing us down after a busy day. This dish has since become a go-to in my kitchen, a true family favorite in our line-up of healthy, low-fat meals that really hit the spot.
What hooked me right away was how the lean ground turkey mixed with the spices gave me that classic chili warmth but without the heaviness of traditional beef versions. I was hunting for a healthy chili recipe that didn’t skimp on flavor, and boy, this Turkey Burger Chili checks all those boxes! I’ve had my share of mishaps when I first started, like overcooking the turkey or under-seasoning, but through lots of trial and error, this blend came together perfectly. Plus, it fits so seamlessly into the chaos of family life—quick prep, a big simmer, and then dinner is ready just as everyone’s hunger peaks.
This Turkey Burger Chili isn’t just dinner; it’s a cozy family moment wrapped up in a bowl. I often think of it as the embodiment of my cooking philosophy: meals that nourish, bring people close, and don’t stress you out. If you’re craving something flavorful, budget-friendly, and simply satisfying, this Turkey Burger Chili might just become your new favorite too. And if you’re curious about a twist on ground turkey chili with beans or want a spicy turkey burger chili variation, I’ve got all the secrets to share along the way!
By the way, if you want to peek at another cozy turkey chili recipe with a fresh twist, be sure to check out my Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili — it’s a family favorite that complements this one beautifully. Also, I’ve discovered some fantastic inspiration for a healthy turkey chili from Ambitious Kitchen’s recipe that’s packed with nutrients and flavor (The Best Healthy Turkey Chili You’ll Ever Eat).
Ingredients

- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add Spices and Ingredients
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey and onion mixture. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
3. Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey Burger Chili pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese. For a family-friendly twist, serve alongside Loaded Hamburger Soup or complement with Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup for a warm, comforting meal rotation.

Additional Resources
For more inspiration on turkey chili, check out the Best Turkey Chili Recipe by The Kitchen Girl and the classic Simple Turkey Chili Recipe.
Turkey Burger Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili made with lean turkey burger, packed with vegetables and spices, perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey burger
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet; cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and chicken broth; stir well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; serve hot.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cocoa powder during simmering. Serve with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

