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Hearty Leftover Turkey Chili

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, thick leftover turkey chili featuring kidney beans and shredded meat.

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Transform your leftover turkey into a spicy, satisfying one-pot chili perfect for a quick weeknight meal or game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
  4. Add the shredded turkey, kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Stir in the cayenne pepper. Taste the chili and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • This chili freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
  • If you want a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding a small amount of strong brewed coffee instead of some of the broth.
  • If you are looking for simple recipes for everyday meals, this is a great option to add to your rotation, similar to what you might find with meal planning services.

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