Cozy Turkey Apple Chili Recipe
As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warming bowl of Turkey Apple Chili to envelop you in a cozy embrace. Imagine your kitchen filled with the earthy aroma of sweet potatoes mingling with spiced apples, and the hearty richness of turkey simmering away. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that recalls warm family gatherings and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
If you’re searching for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and nutritious, look no further! This Turkey Apple Chili is sure to become a new favorite. So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, and let’s get cooking—this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Warm: Perfect for chilly weather, this chili offers warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Quick to prepare and cook, it’s ideal for busy weekdays when you need a nourishing meal without much fuss.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and apples, it combines great flavors with a healthful twist.
- Family-Friendly: With delicious flavors and a hint of sweetness, even picky eaters will love this one-pot wonder.
- Make-Ahead Freezer Meal: This chili is great for meal prep and can be stored for later, making it perfect for those busy weeks.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delightful Turkey Apple Chili:
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots (this was 2 large carrots for me)
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered; this was 2 smaller sweet potatoes for me)
- 2 cups diced apple (this was from 2 apples for me)
- 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 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 1-2 cans kidney beans
How to Make Turkey Apple Chili
Let’s dive into this cozy dish!
Heat the Oil: Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and turn the stove up to medium heat.
Cook the Veggies: Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pan. Sprinkle 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. Mix with a spatula and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Turkey: Add the ground turkey meat, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.
Flavor It Up: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Combine the Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes to the pot, stirring until well combined.
Simmer Away: Reduce the heat to low-medium and let it cook for 20-30 minutes. If using kidney beans, add them towards the end of cooking to warm through.
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel like getting creative? Here are some delicious variations to try out!
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
- Swaps for Spice: If you like a kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Top It Off: Serve with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or sliced green onions for a creamy finish.
- Change the Protein: Swap the turkey for ground chicken or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are a few tips I’ve gathered over the years to ensure your Turkey Apple Chili turns out beautifully every time:
- Make Ahead: This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes wonderfully, so prepare a double batch for those cold winter nights!
- Slicing Tips: For even cooking, try to slice the sweet potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces. It makes a world of difference!
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have apples on hand? Feel free to use another sweet fruit like pears to add a unique twist.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare it in advance for an easy meal later in the week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in whatever veggies you have on hand or swap the meat for another ground protein.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for later enjoyment.
- How long does it last? When properly stored, the chili will last about 4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a warm bowl of Turkey Apple Chili is like savoring a treasured memory. With each bite, the blend of sweet apples, hearty turkey, and tender vegetables creates not just a meal but a celebration of flavors that feel like home. So, gather around the table with your loved ones and share the warmth of this delightful dish. Save this Turkey Apple Chili to your cozy recipe board so it’s always ready whenever you need a comforting hug in a bowl! Happy cooking!
Print
Cozy Turkey Apple Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warming bowl of Turkey Apple Chili that combines sweet potatoes, spiced apples, and lean turkey for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes
- 2 cups diced apple
- 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 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes
- 1–2 cans kidney beans
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and turn the stove up to medium heat.
- Cook the veggies: Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pan. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix with a spatula and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the turkey: Add the ground turkey meat, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.
- Flavor it up: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
- Combine the tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes to the pot, stirring until well combined.
- Simmer away: Reduce the heat to low-medium and let it cook for 20-30 minutes. If using kidney beans, add them towards the end of cooking to warm through.
Notes
This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For even cooking, slice sweet potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
