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Three Bean Turkey Chili

This Three Bean Turkey Chili is super satisfying and filling! It is loaded with three types of beans, peppers, onions and tons of seasoning for lots of flavor. Top with some shredded cheddar and serve with chips for a delicious meal.

Three bean turkey chili in a bowl topped with chips and cheese next to a large wooden ladle
Three Bean Turkey Chili in a bowl and a wooden ladle from Forest Decor.

Ingredients for Three Bean Turkey Chili

Not only is this recipe easy to make but it gets even more points for being a recipe that requires mostly pantry staples. These are my favorite kinds of recipes because you can plan to make them ahead by a week or more and the ingredients won’t go bad before you get to them. You will need:

  • sweet onion
  • red bell peppers
  • lean ground turkey
  • canned crushed tomatoes
  • cannellini beans
  • pinto beans
  • small red beans
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • black pepper
  • garlic salt
  • tortilla chips, optional
  • shredded cheddar cheese, optional

How to Make Three Bean Turkey Chili

This recipe is fast enough to have for a weeknight meal however the longer you can simmer it the more flavor it will have. To make chili, start by chopping up the onion and red bell pepper. Then, in a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add peppers and onions and cook about 5 minutes.

Next, add ground turkey and break into small pieces while cooking. Once turkey is browned add remaining ingredients and cover. Bring to a simmer then lower heat and let simmer 45-60 minutes. Serve your chili as is or top with cheese and serve with tortilla chips.

We were gifted these gorgeous cooking utensils from Forest Decor! Head over to their page or our shop page for more information about these beautiful utensils.

How to Store Leftover Chili

Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and should be used within 5 days. Use it over pasta, rice, baked potatoes, etc! The chili will reheat well and have even more flavor as it sits. I am not sure if this recipe will freeze well, however if you try it please let us know in the comments below.

large wooden ladle with chili over the pot

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of beans do you use for turkey chili?

We used pinto beans, small red beans and cannellini beans for this recipe however you can substitute any other beans you prefer such as black beans or kidney beans.

Is three bean chili healthy?

Three bean turkey chili is loaded with fiber, protein and lots of veggies. We think a diet filled with a variety of all foods in moderation is healthy.

Is this recipe gluten free or dairy free?

This recipe is gluten free just be sure to check the labels of the ingredients you purchase for any sneaky gluten containing ingredients. To make this recipe dairy free skip the shredded cheese on top or swap with your favorite vegan cheese.

Do I have to use ground turkey for chili?

Absolutely not, go ahead and use ground chicken, sausage or beef for your chili if you prefer.

Can this recipe be made in the slow cooker?

I don’t see why not! I would recommend cooking the ground turkey first before adding it to the slow cooker or crock pot and then add all the remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

three bean turkey chili

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Looking for more delicious meal recipes? Be sure to check out our Turkey Zucchini Meatballs, Turkey Meatloaf, Cheddar Grits with Black Beans, Spinach Lasagna, Italian Sausage Orzo, Butternut Squash Risotto with Bacon, Hamburg Soup, Lemon Grilled Chicken, Shepherd’s Pie, Black Bean Quinoa Burgers, BBQ Chicken Salad, Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Hash, Crock Pot Chuck Roast with Potatoes, and Lasagna Soup.

Three Bean Turkey Chili

Three Bean Turkey Chili

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This Three Bean Turkey Chili is loaded with beans, turkey, peppers and onions with tons of flavor from cumin and garlic!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 red bell peppers, diced
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can small red beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • Tortilla chips, optional
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Instructions

  1. Chop onion and peppers.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
  3. Add onions and peppers and cook 5 minutes.
  4. Add ground turkey and cook until browned while breaking it up into small pieces.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, pepper and garlic salt.
  6. Cover and bring to a simmer.
  7. Once simmering, lower heat and cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir frequently.
  8. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla chips if desired.

Notes

Add any toppings you desire such as cheddar cheese, chips, or sour cream.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 470Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1171mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 13gSugar: 11gProtein: 33g

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