Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Turkey Apple Chili is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet apples, savory ground turkey, and fragrant spices like cinnamon and sage creates a perfectly balanced chili with both warmth and depth of flavor.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables, apples, and lean turkey, this chili is not only hearty but also full of essential vitamins and nutrients.
- Comforting and Hearty: It’s the kind of dish that fills you up and keeps you satisfied, perfect for chilly fall and winter days.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this chili can be prepared quickly and will be on your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes, halved and quartered
- 2 cups diced apple
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp rubbed sage, divided
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or a Paleo marinara sauce)
- 1-2 cans kidney beans
Directions
- Heat 1 Tbs of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp rubbed sage, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook for an additional 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste, 2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp sage, and 1 tsp salt, making sure the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If using kidney beans, add them in at the end and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add more vegetables: You can add other fall vegetables like parsnips or butternut squash for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it spicier: If you enjoy heat, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños.
- Use different beans: Swap kidney beans for black beans or white beans for a different twist.
- Make it Paleo: Use a Paleo marinara sauce instead of strained tomatoes for a completely Paleo-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover Turkey Apple Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor.
2. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting for a day or two, making it a great make-ahead meal.
3. Can I add more beans to the chili?
Yes, you can add extra beans if you’d like. Kidney beans are the most common choice, but you can use black beans, white beans, or any other variety you prefer.
4. How do I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap the ground turkey for a plant-based protein such as lentils, quinoa, or tofu and skip the meat altogether.
5. Can I use sweet potatoes that are already peeled?
Yes, if your sweet potatoes are already peeled, just slice them thinly so they cook through in time.
6. Can I substitute the apple for something else?
If you’re not a fan of apples, you can try using pears or even diced butternut squash for a slightly different flavor profile.
7. How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more spice, try increasing the chili powder, adding cayenne pepper, or incorporating some chopped fresh jalapeños.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the ground turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
9. Can I use regular tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes provide a smoother consistency for the chili.
10. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check that your marinara sauce or any store-bought ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
Turkey Apple Chili is a delicious and heartwarming dish that blends the best of fall flavors. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or need something that’s both healthy and satisfying, this chili checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, full of nutrients, and sure to become a favorite in your fall recipe rotation.
Turkey Apple Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting, flavorful twist on traditional chili, Turkey Apple Chili combines ground turkey, fresh apples, and root vegetables for a cozy and satisfying meal. With a touch of cinnamon, sage, and chili powder, this chili is the perfect recipe for fall, bringing together sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups sliced carrots
2 cups sliced sweet potatoes, halved and quartered
2 cups diced apple
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage, divided
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A sprinkle of nutmeg
2 pounds ground lean turkey
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
3 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cups strained tomatoes (or Paleo marinara sauce)
1–2 cans kidney beans
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook for an additional 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon sage, and 1 teaspoon salt, making sure the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If using kidney beans, add them in at the end and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Notes
You can add other fall vegetables like parsnips or butternut squash for extra flavor and texture.
If you enjoy heat, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños.
Swap kidney beans for black beans or white beans for a different twist.
Use a Paleo marinara sauce instead of strained tomatoes for a completely Paleo-friendly version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
