Easy Signature Turkey Chili Recipe

Signature Turkey Chili

The signature Turkey Chili recipe is the very first meal I ever made chili. My parents taught me at a very young age how to cook and enjoy being in the kitchen.

I have entered more chili cook-offs than I can count, including some I have personally hosted.

I’m not a chef, nor have I ever taken culinary classes-everything I’ve learned has been through trial and error and taste testing.

This recipe is simple and delicious, but, more importantly, it has been approved by the pickiest of eaters!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, finely diced
• 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef
• One 16-ounce can of mild chili beans, does not drain
• Two 14.5-ounce cans of petite diced tomatoes, do not drain
• 2 cups low-sodium tomato juice
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Heat a large skillet with olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, and green pepper. Cook until the veggies are soft and the onion is translucent.

Add the ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook until brown and crumbled. Drain the excess grease.

In a large stockpot or slow cooker, place the meat mixture. Add all the remaining ingredients. If you prefer, you can replace the seasoning mix (the chili powder through the black pepper) with a store-bought chili seasoning mix instead, such as McCormick® Mild Chili Seasoning.

If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on high for 2 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. This is the method I recommend.

If you’re cooking on the stovetop in a pot, bring the chili to a boil and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes.