Description

This 30-Minute Leftover Turkey Chili is a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal perfect for using up leftover turkey. Combining aromatic vegetables, rich spices, beans, and tender turkey simmered together, it offers a comforting and nutritious dinner option. Topped with sour cream, avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced scallions, this chili is sure to satisfy your cravings in just half an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Base

2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, small diced
1 green pepper, small diced
1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
1 Tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder

Beans and Tomatoes

2 (15-oz.) cans pinto beans in chili sauce
1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
3 Tablespoons light brown sugar

Protein

4 cups chopped leftover turkey

Toppings (Optional)

Sour cream
Avocado
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sliced scallions

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Instructions

Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Once warm, add minced garlic, diced onions, and diced green peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring often, until it caramelizes and deepens in color, about 2 minutes.
Combine spices and beans: Add ground cumin, chili powder, pinto beans with their chili sauce, drained kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and light brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything together ensuring even mixing.
Add turkey and simmer: Stir in the chopped leftover turkey. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is warmed through and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
Serve and garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and top with your choice of sour cream, diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced scallions for added creaminess and freshness.

Notes

This chili recipe is designed to be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Use leftover turkey to add protein without extra prep time.
Feel free to customize toppings to your preference including cilantro, jalapeños, or lime wedges.
To make it spicier, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce during step 3.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 133 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 69 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg