One Pot Turkey Bacon Chili Recipe- Easy & Healthy

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This One Pot Turkey Bacon Chili is hearty, healthy, and easy to make! Packed with lean turkey, beans, and smoky spices, it’s perfect for any meal.

Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of chili on a chilly night or after a long day. This One-Pot Turkey Bacon Chili Recipe is the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, making it an excellent choice for a comforting meal. Packed with lean ground turkey, black beans, kidney beans, and crispy turkey bacon, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. The fire-roasted tomatoes, smoky paprika, and a little kick of cayenne pepper add depth and warmth, while a touch of maple syrup balances the spice with subtle sweetness.

This easy turkey chili recipe is a one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for busy weeknights, meal prep, or game day, it’s sure to become a regular rotation in your home. Plus, it’s versatile—you can make it on the stove top, in a Dutch oven, or even in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Let’s dive into why this is the best turkey chili recipe you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Bacon Chili Recipe

Healthy & Hearty – This healthy turkey chili recipe is high in protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.
Easy to Make – A simple turkey chili that comes together in one large pot with minimal effort.
Great for Meal Prep – The flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Customizable Spice Level – You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes.
Crowd-Pleaser – Whether for game day or a cozy night in, this chili is a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients in turkey chili with turkey bacon

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

The Base

Lean ground turkey – A great alternative to ground beef, keeping this chili healthy and lower in fat.
Turkey bacon – Adds a smoky, crispy element that enhances the flavor.
Garlic, red onion, and red bell pepper – Essential aromatics that build the foundation of flavor.

The Hearty Additions

Black beans & kidney beans – A combination of kidney beans and black beans provides protein, fiber, and texture.
Fire-roasted tomatoes – Adds much flavor with a smoky, slightly charred taste.
Tomato paste – Helps thicken the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.

The Liquid & Seasonings

Chicken broth – Enhances the depth of flavor while keeping the chili from being too thick.
Cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper – A classic chili spice blend that brings warmth and smokiness.
Maple syrup – The secret ingredient that balances the spice with a little bit of sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Cook the Turkey Bacon

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Once cooled, chop it into small pieces.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little olive oil (if needed) and sauté the garlic, red onion, and red pepper for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

red bell pepper being sautéed for turkey chili

Brown the Turkey

Add the pound of ground turkey and cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked.

Add the Spices

Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, mixing well to coat the meat evenly.

Add the Remaining Ingredients

Now, pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, black beans, kidney beans, and maple syrup.
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a light boil.

Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low heat and let the chili simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve & Enjoy!

Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips, or hot sauce.

turkey chili served with sour cream and green onions

More Ground Turkey Recipes

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How to Store the Recipe

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Freezer: This hearty turkey chili recipe freezes beautifully! Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stove top over medium heat or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or chicken broth.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Want a little more kick? Add extra cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a spicier chili.
Prefer a thicker chili? Reduce the chicken broth slightly or let it simmer longer.
Using a slow cooker? Brown the ground turkey first, then transfer all the remaining ingredients to a crockpot turkey chili version. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Want to try an Instant Pot? Use the sauté function to brown the ground turkey, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

This easy chili recipe is a good thing to have in your meal rotation, whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, game day, or meal prep. With a combination of kidney beans, black beans, turkey bacon, and a little kick of heat, this good chili is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today and let us know how you customize it to make it your own great recipe!

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! While this is a ground turkey chili recipe, you can easily substitute ground beef or even vegetarian options like white beans or sweet potatoes.

What are the best toppings for this chili?

Some favorite chili toppings include sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, tortilla chips, hot sauce, and a little bit of brown sugar for a sweet-savory contrast.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding green bell peppers, green pepper, or even sweet potatoes for a sweet potato chili twist.

What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?

You can use regular crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, but fire-roasted tomatoes add much flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground meat for vegetarian chili alternatives like white beans, pinto beans, or extra vegetables.