Introduction

This Turkey Apple Chili is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic chili, combining lean ground turkey with sweet apples and hearty vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

A white bowl filled with a thick stew that has several layers and colors visible: large chunks of orange carrots spread throughout, dark red kidney beans scattered evenly, and chunks of light orange sweet potatoes mixed in. The stew has a reddish-brown sauce coating everything, with small bits of ground meat and herbs sprinkled on top. The texture looks hearty and chunky, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a light beige cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
2 cups sliced sweet potatoes, halved and quartered (about 2 small sweet potatoes)
2 cups diced apple (from about 2 apples)
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 pounds 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

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot.
Step 2: Sprinkle 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 over the vegetables. Stir well and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink.
Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until the tomato paste is evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low-medium. Simmer the chili uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: If using, add kidney beans in the last few minutes to heat through.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños with the spices.
Sweet potatoes can be swapped with butternut squash for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and beans to control salt levels.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for extra creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a thick stew featuring chunky layers. The top layer is bright orange slices of cooked carrot and soft potato chunks, mixed with small dark red kidney beans scattered throughout. Beneath, there are bits of ground meat and small diced tomatoes in a rich, thick, reddish-brown sauce with some green herb sprinkles on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or add extra beans and vegetables to keep it hearty and flavorful.

Is it necessary to add the apples?

While apples add a lovely sweetness and balance the spices, you can omit them if desired or substitute with pears for a different twist.

Turkey Apple Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 65 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Turkey Apple Chili that combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices to create a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. This chili balances savory and slightly sweet notes, enhanced with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage, delivering a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 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

Main Ingredients

1 Tbs olive oil
2 lbs ground lean turkey
3 Tbs tomato paste
3 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
1–2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Base Vegetables and Fruits: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots. Season 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 sprinkle of nutmeg. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables and meld the flavors.
Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the turkey is no longer pink, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Incorporate 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon additional salt into the pot. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the tomato paste and spices throughout the mixture.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of strained tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low-medium, cover the pot, and let the chili cook for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Add Kidney Beans (Optional): If using kidney beans, add 1 to 2 cans toward the end of cooking and heat through for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use lean ground turkey to keep the chili healthy and lower in fat.
The addition of apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the chili.
Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your preferred heat level.
If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
Kidney beans are optional but add extra protein and fiber.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: turkey apple chili, lean turkey chili, autumn chili, healthy chili recipe, sweet potato chili, apple chili, stovetop chili