Okay, let’s talk about chili. Not just any chili, but the kind you can whip up on a weeknight when you’re craving something warm, hearty, and totally satisfying. This Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) is my absolute go-to when I need a fuss-free meal that still packs a flavor punch. Seriously, I’ve made this so many times my family practically expects a pot of it to be simmering whenever the weather turns even a little bit cool. It’s just so darn easy – everything happens right there in one pot on the stove!

There’s something so comforting about a good bowl of chili, don’t you think? And knowing you can have this amazing Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) ready in about an hour, with minimal cleanup? That’s a win-win in my book. It smells incredible while it’s cooking, and the taste is just pure cozy goodness. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new best friend!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)
Seriously, this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) is a game-changer! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:
- Speedy Weeknight Winner: You can have a warm, comforting bowl of chili on the table in about an hour. Perfect for when you need something good *now*.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot on the stovetop. That means less mess and less to wash up afterwards – a HUGE win in my kitchen!
- Big Flavor, Easy Steps: Don’t let the simple instructions fool you. Browning the turkey, adding the spices, and letting it simmer creates a fantastic, deep flavor that’s super satisfying.
- Totally Customizable: It’s a fantastic base for all your favorite toppings! Cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime – it’s like a party in a bowl.
Gather Your Ingredients for Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)
Alright, let’s get our game faces on and gather everything we need for this amazing Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop). Having everything prepped and ready makes cooking SO much smoother. You’ll want to grab:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little to get things started in the pot.
- 1 pound ground turkey: I like to use a leaner blend, but whatever you have works.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Dice it up pretty small so it blends right in.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference, trust me!
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Give these a good rinse to get rid of that can liquid.
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Same goes for the black beans – rinse and drain them well.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t toss that juice! It adds so much flavor to the chili.
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce: This helps create that classic chili sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: This is our main flavor maker!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: For that earthy, smoky depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To bring out all those yummy flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a little kick.
See? Nothing too wild or hard to find. Just good, honest ingredients ready to become something delicious!
Simple Steps to Make Your Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)
Okay, ready to make some magic happen? Making this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) is surprisingly straightforward, and honestly, it’s pretty fun. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef for this one, promise!
First things first, grab your biggest pot or a good Dutch oven. Pop it on the stove over medium-high heat and let that olive oil get nice and warm. Then, toss in your pound of ground turkey. Now, here’s where the fun begins – use your spoon to break it all up into little pieces. Cook it until it’s all nicely browned. Nobody likes a pale turkey in their chili! Once it’s browned, carefully drain off any extra fat. We want flavor, not grease, right?

Next up, we’re adding the onion. Toss that chopped onion into the pot with the turkey and let it soften for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to look a little translucent and smells amazing. Then, stir in your minced garlic and just let it cook for another minute. Be careful here – garlic can burn fast, and burnt garlic is no fun!
Now for the good stuff! Add in both cans of your rinsed and drained beans – kidney and black. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Seriously, don’t drain the tomatoes; that liquid is pure flavor gold for your chili. Follow that with the can of tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir to get it all mixed up.
Time for the spices! Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together really well. You want to make sure those spices are evenly distributed. Now, bring the whole mixture up to a simmer. See it bubbling? Perfect! Once it’s simmering, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on the pot, and let it do its thing for at least 30 minutes. This is where all those flavors get to know each other and become best friends. Stir it every so often to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. If you’ve got the time, letting it go even longer, maybe 45 minutes to an hour, will make it even richer!
Right before you serve it up, give it a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more chili powder? Go ahead and adjust the seasonings to your liking. That’s it! Your delicious easy chili recipe is ready to go!
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) Experience
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but let me give you a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years to make this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) absolutely sing. Little things make a big difference, you know?
First off, when you’re browning that ground turkey, don’t rush it! Make sure you get a good sear on it. That browning is where so much flavor comes from. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot – if you can, brown the turkey in two batches if your pot seems too small. And for the onions and garlic? Sauté them until they’re truly softened and fragrant; don’t just let them steam. It unlocks their sweetness and depth.
If your chili seems a little too thin for your liking after simmering, don’t freak out! Just let it simmer with the lid slightly ajar for the last 10-15 minutes. That’ll let some of the extra liquid evaporate and thicken it up beautifully. And a pro tip? If you have the time, making this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) a day ahead makes it even better. The flavors really meld and deepen overnight!
Serving and Storing Your Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)
This Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) is just begging to be served up! It’s wonderful on its own, but oh boy, the toppings are where it’s at! I love topping mine with a generous dollop of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt if I’m feeling fancy), a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar cheese, and some fresh chopped green onions or cilantro. A side of cornbread or some crunchy tortilla chips? Perfection!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. When you’re ready for round two, just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot. It actually tastes even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)
Got questions about my favorite Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things people often ask around the time they’re whipping up a batch.
Can I make this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) spicier?
Oh, absolutely! If you like it hot, just add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or toss in a finely chopped jalapeño with the onions. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end works wonders too!
What are good vegetarian substitutions for this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)?
For a vegetarian version, you can swap the ground turkey for a cup or two of cooked brown or green lentils, or some sautéed mushrooms. Plant-based crumbles also work great! You might just need to adjust the simmering time a bit.
How long does this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) keep in the refrigerator?
This Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container and reheats nicely!

Estimated Nutritional Information
Now, I’m definitely not a nutritionist, so take these numbers with a grain of salt! But when I plug this Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop) into my recipe analyzer, it comes out pretty darn good for a hearty meal. We’re looking at roughly 350 calories per serving, with about 12g of fat, a solid 25g of protein, and a good dose of carbs with 35g, including a fantastic 10g of fiber! It’s also got around 700mg of sodium. Remember, these are just estimates and can totally change depending on the brands you use and if you get heavy-handed with the toppings!
Print
Ground Turkey Chili (Stovetop)
- Total Time: 60 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and hearty ground turkey chili made on the stovetop.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. For a richer flavor, you can simmer it longer.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
Notes
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
- This chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey Chili, Stovetop Chili, Easy Chili, Turkey Chili Recipe, Quick Chili







