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Turkey Apple Chili 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.

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)
  • 12 cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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