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Turkey Apple Chili Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

This hearty Turkey Apple Chili combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, apples, and a warm blend of spices for a comforting and nutritious meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this chili balances savory and sweet flavors while being packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Produce

  • 2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
  • 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (about 2 smaller sweet potatoes, halved and quartered)
  • 2 cups diced apple (from about 2 apples)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp rubbed sage (divided)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp chili powder

Proteins

  • 2 lbs ground lean turkey

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • 1 to 2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and cook vegetables: In a large pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots. Season with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables.
  2. Cook turkey: Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the turkey is no longer pink, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly so that the tomato paste is evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
  4. Add tomatoes: Pour the 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce) into the pot. Stir everything together well.
  5. Simmer chili: Reduce heat to low-medium. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes to blend flavors and thicken the sauce.
  6. Add kidney beans: If using kidney beans, drain and rinse them if canned. Add the beans near the end of cooking and stir through. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat beans fully before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust the chili powder amount to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Using lean ground turkey keeps the chili lower in fat while still providing protein.
  • Add kidney beans if you want extra fiber and a heartier texture.
  • Sweet potatoes and apples add natural sweetness and texture, balancing the savory chili flavors.
  • Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
  • This chili can be made in advance and tastes great reheated the next day.