Turkey Apple Chili is a delightful dish that brings together the warmth of fall flavors. This comforting recipe combines ground turkey with sweet apples, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this Turkey Apple Chili will surely satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet apples and savory turkey creates a unique taste that stands out from traditional chili.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, this chili is a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or served over rice or quinoa for added texture and flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later use.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Turkey Apple Chili.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking a large quantity of chili without spilling over.
- Spatula: Helps mix ingredients evenly and prevents sticking to the pot.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots (this was 2 large carrots for me)
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered; this was 2 smaller sweet potatoes for me)
- 2 cups diced apple (this was from 2 apples for me)
- 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 nutmeg
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
For the Sauce
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
For Beans (Optional)
- 1-2 cans kidney beans
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Turkey Apple Chili
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Put 1 Tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and turn the stove top up to medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pan. Top with:
1. 1 teaspoon onion powder
2. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon pepper
5. 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
6. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
7. A sprinkle nutmeg
Mix with a spatula and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
Add the ground turkey meat, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Ingredients
Add:
1. 3 Tablespoons of tomato paste
2. 2 teaspoons chili powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
4. 1 teaspoon salt
Mix until the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes
Then add both crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Simmer
Reduce heat to low-medium and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes. If you are adding kidney beans, include them at this stage.
Enjoy your delicious Turkey Apple Chili!
How to Serve Turkey Apple Chili
Turkey apple chili is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you prefer it solo or with accompaniments, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – A warm baguette pairs perfectly for dipping into the chili.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar – Melted cheddar on top adds richness and enhances the chili’s flavor.
- Feta Crumbles – For a tangy twist, sprinkle feta cheese over the chili just before serving.
Accompanied by Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides creaminess and balances the spices.
- Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
Served Over Rice
- White Rice – Spoon turkey apple chili over fluffy white rice for a filling meal.
- Quinoa – For a healthier option, serve it on top of quinoa, adding protein and nutrients.
How to Perfect Turkey Apple Chili
To make your turkey apple chili even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold flavors: Increase spices like chili powder or cumin for a spicier kick.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh apples and vegetables for better taste and nutrition.
- Slow cook: Letting it simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customizable beans: Experiment with different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Turkey Apple Chili
Pairing side dishes with turkey apple chili can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens complements the hearty chili nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add a colorful and nutritious side.
- Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes topped with butter as a comforting side dish.
- Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado on toasted bread provides a trendy accompaniment.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the chili.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the warmth of the chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when preparing Turkey Apple Chili. Being aware of them can help you perfect this delicious recipe.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can dull the flavors. Always follow the seasoning recommendations for a vibrant taste.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking them too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender yet firm texture by monitoring cooking times closely.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using old or canned ingredients may affect flavor and texture. Opt for fresh produce whenever possible for the best results.
- Ignoring the balance of flavors: Too much sweetness from the apples or lack of spice can unbalance your chili. Taste as you go, and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: High heat can lead to burnt ingredients. Keep the heat at medium or low-medium to allow flavors to meld without burning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Turkey Apple Chili
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Turkey Apple Chili
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer chili into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly, usually around 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkey Apple Chili?
Turkey Apple Chili is a comforting dish made with ground turkey, diced apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots, seasoned with sage and cinnamon. It’s perfect for fall!
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! You can increase the amount of chili powder or add jalapeños to give it extra heat according to your preference.
How do I customize my Turkey Apple Chili?
You can add beans, different vegetables like bell peppers, or even substitute ground turkey with lean beef or chicken to suit your taste.
Is Turkey Apple Chili healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe is packed with protein from the turkey and fiber from the vegetables and beans, making it a nutritious option.
Can I prepare Turkey Apple Chili ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld even more!
Final Thoughts
Turkey Apple Chili is not just a warm and hearty meal; it’s also versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you want more heat or additional veggies, this recipe allows room for creativity. Give it a try this fall—you’ll love how comforting and delicious it is!
Turkey Apple Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Turkey Apple Chili is the perfect embodiment of fall flavors, seamlessly blending ground turkey with sweet apples and hearty vegetables. This cozy dish is not only comforting but also nutritious, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings. With a delightful mix of spices, this chili stands out from traditional recipes, providing a unique taste that everyone will love. Easy to prepare in under an hour, Turkey Apple Chili is versatile enough to enjoy on its own or served over rice or quinoa. Plus, it’s great for meal prep – make a large batch to savor throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes
- 2 cups diced apple
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 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 nutmeg
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 1–2 cans kidney beans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté diced apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots with seasonings for about 5 minutes.
- Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in tomato paste and spices until well combined.
- Add crushed and strained tomatoes; simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve hot with optional toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Customize flavors by adding more chili powder for heat or using different beans. Fresh produce enhances taste; consider seasonal vegetables. For meal prep, store leftovers in airtight containers.