Make Ahead
Best Ever Turkey Chili
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39 Reviews
Lisa
November 12, 2023
I made this chili back in 2016 (printed the recipe :) and somehow lost track of it. Fixed it for best friends last night to raves. I wouldn't change a thing.
Athryn
March 5, 2023
Really enjoyed the flavor of this. It gets really thick, I'll probably need to add a little bit of liquid for the leftovers.
Marcie A.
December 10, 2022
I agree!! This is the best ever chili!! We loved the flavors. I did use a large jalapeño, Founders Porter Dark Beer(Leffe dark not found), Muir Glen Fire Roasted diced tomatoes(more flavor) plus the recipe of seasonings. Also, a Cajun hot sauce. It was fantastic!
Kristin
December 6, 2021
TBH I wasn't enthused about making chili with ground turkey but it's what I had on hand so I thought I'd give it a try. The seasoning was underwhelming so I added a whole lot more which isn't a problem of course. Also added another can of beans since there weren't enough to populate the stew. Also used a good craft ale which made a slight positive as well as sliced crimini mushrooms since it's what I had on hand. I would suggest adding a fresh serrano or jalapeno - it really needs a kick up in heat/spice level. My unhappiness with this recipe is likely due to my dislike of ground turkey texture; need to get the spouse to buy less of it!
katsmith115
September 11, 2021
Crazy delish. I had my doubts but it was deeply flavorful. Went with dark kidney beans for the esthetics. Also, I recommend you choose a high quality dark beer or ale.
Mollie C.
October 17, 2020
Liked this and made some tweaks (definitely needs more spice for me) but a solid recipe. Nice use of staple pantry ingredients.
SophieL
January 9, 2020
Really good, really easy! The spiciness was perfect for me. I used leftover roasted turkey breast and didn't change anything else. Topped with sour cream and grated cheese. It'll be better the second day.
Louise
November 6, 2018
I thought this was delicious.... I used a heavy lager instead of dark beer and a little more of the spice. Used about a 1/2 tablespoon of salt and tsp of pepper.... not bland at all!
Cecile
March 4, 2018
Hmm. Bland. We fixed it up with red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, some ketchup and a lot of salt & pepper. Should I use this recipe again, I might add more beer. I wondered about adding a bay leaf as well.
Jackie
November 5, 2017
After reading the comments (some say it's amazing, others say it's bland), I decided to blend aspects of this recipe with one of my favourite chili recipes: Smitten Kitchen's beef chili. My hybrid chili turned out pretty great.
I gotta say, all the spice levels in this "Best Ever" chili are very, very conservative, so I'm not surprised that people say it's bland. And any chili without cumin is just not chili, in my opinion. :)
So I upped the chili powder significantly, upped the oregano too, added cumin, used Spanish paprika, and added a quarter of a jalapeno with seeds. I kept the beer, the cinnamon and coriander the same, and didn't add hot sauce (though, I should have).
In sum, this is a good chili base, and I love the addition of beer. Just spice yours to taste.
I gotta say, all the spice levels in this "Best Ever" chili are very, very conservative, so I'm not surprised that people say it's bland. And any chili without cumin is just not chili, in my opinion. :)
So I upped the chili powder significantly, upped the oregano too, added cumin, used Spanish paprika, and added a quarter of a jalapeno with seeds. I kept the beer, the cinnamon and coriander the same, and didn't add hot sauce (though, I should have).
In sum, this is a good chili base, and I love the addition of beer. Just spice yours to taste.
ENEB
August 1, 2017
It was very bland. I had to add a lot to make this taste just OK. I was disappointed with this recipe.
Stacey
May 22, 2017
Anything called "Best Ever" makes me skeptical... But I gotta tell you, this recipe is fantastic! I was convinced it was too simple to be THAT good. I was wrong. I (strangely) was out of dried coriander, so I just threw some fresh cilantro in the pot. Plus, I used the entire red pepper. Super tasty! Huge flavor even though I used a Pacifico instead of a dark beer. I'm definitly keeping this one on file. (ps. It was 90 degrees in LA today and I STILL couldn't get enough of this chili.)
JJ A.
September 23, 2016
Just made this today for my workers who are building my art studio. I DID make a few tiny additons/changes....added a lot more chili powder, some dried Sweet Basil, a tad squirt of honey, some cumin, a second can of pinto beans, a bit more garlic, some chopped parsley and beef broth, since I didn't have any dark beer. Served it with toasted garlic toast. The contractors/workers ate it ALL up! I barely had a bowlful for myself!!! They gave your recipe rave reviews, and it was on the FIRST DAY of making it...and we all know that the longer chili has to meld flavors, the better it is, but HEY...I'm not complaining. They think I'm a great cook...LOL.
Susan S.
February 24, 2016
If I triple this, do you think I should triple every ingredient? Trying to make a large batch but don't want to mess up the flavor!
june C.
December 28, 2015
For the first time TURKEY chill this was a pretty good recipe..I did however find it to be a little bland so pump up the hot stuff. I used roasted turkey breast and chopped it up which worked just as well.
Amelia H.
October 30, 2015
This turned out fantastic! I made a few subtle subs, smoked paprika instead of regular, some chopped chipotles in adobo for the chile and tomato paste, and strong brewed coffee instead of beer. Ugh, perfection. Had it for lunch all week and never got tired of it.
Stephanie
October 28, 2015
This is a very mild chili and needs spicing up. I'll try Cmc's suggestion for adding more chili powder and a hit of cumin next time.
Cmc
February 26, 2015
My favorite recipe for chili. I find I need to add more chili powder (about 1 tablespoon total)and also add about 1 tsp cumin.
Randa
January 18, 2015
Just made this.....LOVE IT!!!! The best turkey chili recipe I have made!!!! Topped with chives only....perfection!!!! I also added serano peppers with making for extra sizzle!!!!
Shira
January 14, 2015
Not sure I'll get a response but here goes: I plan to make this tomorrow and I hate coriander/cilantro. I'd just leave it out but it sounds that the the success of this recipe lies in the few chosen ingredients.. so any ideas what to replace it with? Thyme, rosemary, or basil maybe? I'm excited for a great turkey chilli recipe and love the simplicity here. Thanks for any ideas or responses!
AlainaMK
January 7, 2015
Yes, this is quite possibly the best chili ever. I have tried it with turkey in the past, and it was great but I think any ground meat would work. This most recent time, I subbed ground elk since we have a ton of it in our freezer, and added pureed cannellini beans because I read somewhere on Food52 that it adds nice texture (and it did!). Also added a touch of raw honey. @kmartinelli, thank you! I've tried a million chili recipes and this one is by far the best!
robin
November 19, 2014
Made this last night and am eating leftovers right now. I am in love! The only thing I did differently was to leave out the beans and add fresh spinach a few moments before serving. I am making it again tonight just so I have it in the fridge for quick and delicious lunches...I seriously feel an addiction coming on! Lol. Thank you!
kim!
November 16, 2014
Just made this evening! Super easy and delicious with great depth of flavor for not much effort. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Tarragon
January 16, 2014
I should have commented months ago - I have been making this almost weekly for about 7 months - love it, especially the seasoning! I follow your recipe exactly, although sometimes I sub chicken or beef stock (or mixed) for the beer to save calories.
Katherine614
January 21, 2014
That is so wonderful to hear!! Thanks for letting me know. I make it often as well :-)
Lisa K.
August 31, 2013
Made this recipe last night and it was delicious! Hearty, rich flavor and easy!
MissEliz
October 8, 2012
I made this tonight - A HUGE HIT. It's delicious. We went with Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout...I just wish I had doubled the recipe for more leftovers :)
Really easy to make and super tasty!
Really easy to make and super tasty!
marynn
December 11, 2011
My husband's family traditional Christmas Eve chili dinner just got a delectable update. Thank you, Midge!
lylebama
July 15, 2011
I just made this, substituting roasted piquillo peppers for the fresh bell, sundried tomato paste for the tomato paste, harissa for the hot sauce, Rotel with green chiles for diced tomatoes, and guajillo chile powder for garden variety chile powder. It is delicious - spicy, with a nice sweetness from the cinnamon and roasted peppers. Looking forward to having it leftover for the Womens World Cup Final Sunday. Thanks so much
Tbird
January 14, 2012
Lyle -
Didn't you just pretty much create your own recipe? Kmartinelli provided a great recipe. I appreciate a tweak here or there, but....
Didn't you just pretty much create your own recipe? Kmartinelli provided a great recipe. I appreciate a tweak here or there, but....
michelle K.
February 19, 2012
Yummm! both varieties sound great. Thanks for the idea of possible changes that work well!
Midge
May 19, 2011
I made this for dinner the other night with a few substitutions (used carrots instead of a bell pepper; pinto beans for kidneys, and a tbsp of chili garlic sauce for heat) and boy was it ever tasty! Thanks so much for posting it!
kmartinelli
May 20, 2011
Oh Midge you've just made my day! I am so glad it came out. Love the addition of carrots and garlic sauce!
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