I still remember the first time I made Turkey Burger Chili for my family—it was one of those hectic weekday evenings where I wanted something quick but nourishing. I had some leftover turkey burger patties from the weekend, and instead of just reheating them, I thought, why not try something warm and comforting like chili? I tossed them into a pot with some beans, spices, and a few pantry staples, hoping my kids would take a bite without fuss.
To my surprise, the Turkey Burger Chili was a hit! My kids loved the cozy, hearty flavors, and I loved how it packed in lean protein and fiber without the heaviness of traditional ground beef chili. It became clear this simple recipe was a nutrition win—a low-fat chili that filled bellies and boosted energy for all that after-school chaos. Over time, I tweaked it to balance flavor and ease, making it a go-to in my sanity-saving nutrition toolkit.
If you’re a fellow busy mom juggling work, school lunches, and dinner drama, this Turkey Burger Chili might just become your new secret weapon. It brings nourishing comfort without the overwhelm. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that make this easy turkey chili such a family favorite! And hey, if you love wholesome, simple recipes, you might also want to peek at this Loaded Hamburger Soup or this Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup for easy dinner ideas.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll gather for your Turkey Burger Chili to keep nutrition simple and family-friendly:
- 1 pound cooked turkey burger patties, chopped or crumbled (a great lean protein base!)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained (fiber and plant-based protein)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained (extra fiber and texture)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (vitamin C and lycopene goodness)
- 1 small onion, diced (onion adds flavor and compounds that support digestion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (flavor and immune support)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (healthy fats for heart health)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (warmth and antioxidants)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (kinda smoky, plus antimicrobial properties)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth with no heat)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (keeps the chili moist and fills you up)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
No worries if you don’t have canned beans on hand — dried beans work if you plan ahead, or swap for lentils for a quick boost of fiber and protein. You’ll find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, and this Turkey Burger Chili proves nutritious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
For prep shortcuts, cook your turkey burgers in bulk on the weekend and freeze in portions. When it’s go-time, chop and toss with the other ingredients for a speedy dinner! My family gets extra nutrition when I throw in chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots too — sneaky veggies that boost vitamins and minerals.
Trust me, this Turkey Burger Chili ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to turn these ingredients into a cozy dinner? Grab your pots and let’s get going on this Turkey Burger Chili!
- Gather and prep. Start by chopping your cooked turkey burger patties into bite-size pieces. Dice onion and mince garlic. This small step saves time once your chili simmers.
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent—about 3 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell like nutritious comfort already! This step releases flavors that make the chili sing.
- Add spices. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika over the onions. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices lightly—this little moment elevates the chili’s depth.
- Add turkey burgers and beans. Toss in the chopped turkey burger patties, drained black beans, and kidney beans. Stir to combine everything evenly. The mix of ground turkey chili flavors is already coming alive here.
- Pour in the tomatoes and broth. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir gently. The liquid lets this Turkey Burger Chili simmer into a healthy, hearty stew.
- Simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let your Turkey Burger Chili cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious chili usually takes under an hour from start to finish, which is a win!
- Taste and adjust. After simmering, taste your chili and add salt and pepper as needed. Don’t worry if your Turkey Burger Chili looks thick—it should be filling with just enough sauce to spoon over a side.
While the chili simmers, it’s a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or even pack some snacks. I like to whistle as I work, knowing I’m filling my family’s bodies with nourishment without extra fuss.
Because I love sharing kitchen wins, you might want to compare this Turkey Burger Chili with this Best Healthy Turkey Chili You’ll Ever Eat or try the flavorful Three Bean Turkey Chili for variety.
How We Love to Eat This!
Once your Turkey Burger Chili is bubbling with flavor, the fun part is how everyone enjoys it. My kids devour this nutritious Turkey Burger Chili when I pair it with simple sides like whole-grain cornbread or brown rice—both adding fiber and sustained energy.
On busy weeknights, this low-fat chili is perfect served with a side of steamed green veggies or a crisp salad, bringing in even more vitamins. Presentation matters here! I like to top bowls with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to keep things colorful and fresh, which makes healthy meals more appealing for little ones.
Leftovers? Yes, please! Turkey burger chili holds up beautifully. I pack it for school lunches or freeze portions for days I feel too tired to cook. Reheated, it tastes as nourishing as day one.
We’ve tried seasonal spins like adding roasted butternut squash in fall or fresh summer corn for sweeter notes. Friends and guests always comment on how hearty and satisfying this Turkey Burger Chili is without the heaviness of traditional beef chili.
If your family is into warm soups, they might go crazy for my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that packs flavor and family-friendly nutrition too.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Turkey Burger Chili nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! This Turkey Burger Chili is loaded with lean protein from turkey and fiber from beans—both essential for growing bodies. Plus, the spices add flavor without heat that might deter little taste buds.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Turkey Burger Chili?
Try blending in a small amount of cheese or serve it with familiar sides like tortilla chips or cornbread. Sometimes, letting kids help add toppings gives them ownership, making them more willing to eat.
Can I meal prep this Turkey Burger Chili for busy weeks?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully. I often double the batch to save time on busy nights.
Is turkey chili with beans a low-fat chili option?
Yes! Compared to ground beef chili, Turkey Burger Chili is lower in fat but still high in protein and fiber. It’s a simple nutrition win for heart health.
Can I substitute ground turkey for turkey burger patties?
You can, but using turkey burger patties adds a bit more flavor and texture I appreciate. If using ground turkey, brown it first before adding other ingredients.
What are some easy turkey chili nutrition hacks you recommend?
Adding extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots is my go-to. Also, swapping regular broth for low-sodium versions lowers sodium without sacrificing taste.
Where did you first find this Turkey Burger Chili idea?
I came across a version while browsing simple chili recipes and adapted it to use turkey burgers we often have on hand. If you want more simple turkey chili recipes, check out Simple Turkey Chili Recipe for fresh inspiration.
Final Thoughts:

This Turkey Burger Chili supports my family’s nutrition goals by offering easy, lean protein and fiber in a cozy, kid-friendly dish. It’s a practical way to bring nourishing chaos down a notch during hectic days.
My Turkey Burger Chili Nutrition Hacks include:
– Using cooked turkey burgers for extra flavor and protein
– Sneaking in extra veggies like diced carrots or zucchini
– Choosing low-sodium broth to keep the salt in check without losing taste
For healthy variations, my family enjoys:
– Adding shredded sweet potatoes for natural sweetness
– Stirring in black beans only for a milder bean taste
– Making it spicier for adults by adding a pinch of cayenne
My kids adore the milder versions, while my husband likes a bit more heat and veggies. You get to make this Turkey Burger Chili your own nourishing moment.
I hope this recipe brings you dinnertime nutrition wins and less stress. Remember, simple nutrition is about small steps—this Turkey Burger Chili is one delicious way to feed your family well without overwhelm. You’ve got this, momma! For more wholesome comfort, peek at these family-pleasers: Loaded Hamburger Soup, Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup, and Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.

Turkey Burger Chili
This hearty Turkey Burger Chili combines lean ground turkey with classic chili spices for a flavorful, protein-packed meal perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook spices with turkey for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
For added flavor, serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.

