Turkey Chili Soup

I make a double batch of this soup every Sunday, and it powers my lunches all week, tasting even better as the flavors meld. This turkey chili soup is the ultimate meal prep champion, a reliable and delicious anchor for busy days. There’s something about a simmering pot of this soup that feels like a warm hug for your schedule. It’s the kind of recipe that bridges the gap between a busy Tuesday and a relaxed Saturday gathering, proving that a truly great meal doesn’t have to be complicated. This particular turkey chili soup recipe is my not-so-secret weapon for feeding a crowd without fuss, a pot of cozy, spiced comfort that welcomes everyone to the table. It’s a beautiful blend of classic chili heartiness and the brothy, spoonable comfort of a great soup, making it one of my most-requested winter soup recipes. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner or the centerpiece for your next game day spread, this is the one-pot wonder you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ingredients List

This turkey chili soup starts with a foundation of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create something truly special. You’ll find most of these in your pantry or with a quick trip down the grocery aisle.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 works great)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Smart Swaps & Substitutions:

• Ground Turkey: Feel free to use ground chicken, lean ground beef, or a plant-based ground crumble.
• Beans: Pinto beans or great northern beans are excellent alternatives.
• Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
• Spice Level: Omit the cayenne for a mild soup, or add a diced jalapeño with the onions for more kick.

Timing

One of the best things about this turkey chili soup is how quickly it comes together for such a deeply flavored result. It’s faster than many traditional chili recipes but delivers all the same cozy satisfaction.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

That’s less than an hour from chopping board to bowl. The active time is minimal—just browning the turkey and sautéing the veggies. The rest is hands-off simmering, where the magic happens and the flavors develop into the ultimate comfort soup recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly balanced and delicious pot of soup every time.

1. Brown the Turkey: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry about getting it super crispy; we just want it cooked through.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Push the turkey to the side of the pot. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, until fragrant. This layering of flavors is the secret to a rich base.

3. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 full minute. This “toasts” the spices and tomato paste, unlocking their oils and deepening their flavor—a crucial step for any great turkey soup recipe.

4. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s pure flavor! Add the rinsed beans and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. This is when your kitchen will smell incredible and your turkey chili soup transforms from ingredients to a meal.

5. Final Adjustments: After simmering, taste your soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt or a squeeze of lime juice if needed. The soup should be thick, hearty, and warmly spiced. Let it sit off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving; it will thicken slightly and the flavors will settle beautifully.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this nourishing turkey chili soup is both satisfying and balanced. Based on a one-cup serving (recipe makes about 8 servings):

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 9g
• Fat: 7g

This soup is a fantastic source of lean protein from the turkey and fiber from the beans and vegetables. The tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, while the spices like cumin and paprika offer antioxidants. It’s a meal that truly fuels you, making it a standout among high-protein comfort soup recipes.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this turkey chili soup. A regular kitchen setup is perfect.

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot (6-quart or larger): This is the MVP. Its even heat distribution is ideal for browning and long simmering. A large soup pot works too.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the turkey.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping your vegetables.
• Can Opener: For all those pantry staples.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accuracy with spices and broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This turkey chili soup earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation for so many reasons.

1. One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a beautiful thing. Everything cooks in one pot, from browning to simmering.
2. Meal Prep Hero: It tastes even better the next day and freezes like a dream. Make a batch on Sunday for effortless lunches all week.
3. Incredibly Adaptable: Easily adjust the heat, swap beans, or add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach. It’s a forgiving recipe.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: It’s universally loved, making it perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or game day gatherings. This turkey chili soup is guaranteed to please.
5. Balanced & Satisfying: It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own but won’t leave you feeling weighed down.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This soup is already quite wholesome, but here are some easy tweaks to fit specific dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• Lower Carb: Omit the corn and black beans, adding extra bell peppers and a can of diced green chiles instead. You could also stir in some cauliflower rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Higher Protein: Use an extra half-pound of ground turkey or stir in a cup of cooked quinoa at the end. For another high-protein soup idea, check out my High Protein Lasagna Soup.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just be mindful of your toppings.
• Gluten-Free: This turkey chili soup is inherently gluten-free. Always double-check your broth labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

The fun really begins when you top your bowl. Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their perfect bowl of turkey chili soup.

• Classic Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro.
• For Crunch: Crushed tortilla chips, crispy tortilla strips, or a handful of Fritos.
• Extra Flair: Sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• On the Side: A slice of crusty bread for dipping, a simple side salad, or warm cornbread. For a different but equally comforting southwestern flavor, my Chile Relleno Soup makes a fantastic starter or alternative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A great pot of turkey chili soup is easy to achieve when you sidestep these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Spice Toast: Don’t just dump the spices into the broth. Cooking them for a minute with the turkey and veggies wakes up their essential oils and prevents a raw, dusty flavor.
• Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Add it last to the sautéing veggies and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is all it needs.
• Using Undrained Beans: Always rinse and drain your canned beans. That starchy liquid can make the soup cloudy and overly thick.
• Not Letting it Simmer: The simmering time is non-negotiable. It allows the flavors to marry and the broth to become rich and flavorful. Rushing this step means a good soup, but not a great one.
• Forgetting to Taste at the End: Soups need seasoning at every stage. Always taste your turkey chili soup after simmering and adjust the salt and pepper. A final squeeze of lime can brighten all the flavors beautifully.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This soup is arguably better as leftovers, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

• Refrigerator: Cool the soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezer: Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay bags flat to freeze for easy stacking. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave.

Conclusion

This turkey chili soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable kitchen friend. It’s the answer to “what’s for dinner?” on a chilly night, the perfect dish to bring to a friend in need, and the effortless star of your next casual gathering. With its simple process, flexible ingredients, and deeply satisfying flavor, it embodies everything I love about home cooking: regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

I hope this pot of cozy, spiced comfort finds its way to your table soon. When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share a photo and tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest. Your stories and creations are my favorite part of this.

And if you’re in a soupy mood, be sure to explore more of our favorite comfort soup recipes like my creamy Creamy White Chicken Chili, the incredibly easy Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup, or the rich and velvety Velvety Chicken Tortilla Soup Delight. Happy cooking.

FAQs about Turkey Chili Soup

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