Turkey Chili with Homemade Chili Powder Recipe

A hearty bowl of chili packed with extra vegetables, smoky chipotles and Karen’s homemade chili powder for deep, satisfying flavor.

Turkey Chili in bowls with cheese and garnishes
Turkey chili in individual bowls, topped with cheeses, sour cream, onions and jalapeño.
Homemade chili powder
Karen’s homemade chili powder — toasted and ground chiles for a true, deep chili essence.
Chili with tortilla and toppings
Top as you like. Great served with organic blue corn tortillas on the side.

The Spanish word chile derives from the Nahuatl chīlli and refers to chili peppers; carne means meat. This turkey chili is a generous, low-fat batch filled with beans, fresh spices and plenty of vegetables. It’s hearty but wholesome — ideal for a cold night or to prepare ahead for easy weekday meals.

This recipe makes a large pot that keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, so reheating with your favorite toppings makes dinner effortless. Tortilla chips add a welcome crunch and deep corn flavor; many organic varieties are available, including low-salt options.

Serving idea: For a quick appetizer, arrange large tortilla chips on a foil-lined baking sheet, spoon on chili, dot with cheese and bake until warmed and crisp. Finish with sour cream, chopped onions, sliced jalapeños and fresh herbs.

About the spice: Karen’s Homemade Chili Powder is made by toasting and grinding whole chiles with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic and oregano. It brings a fresh, authentic depth that bottled spices can’t match. Whole chiles are widely available at specialty markets and many grocery stores and are inexpensive.

Vegetables and beans for chili
Colorful vegetables and beans ready for the chili.
Moderately hot chiles
Moderately hot chiles such as guindilla and pasilla negro add complexity without overpowering heat.
Toasting chiles and spices
Toast chiles in a dry skillet, add cumin seeds, then garlic and oregano; grind with smoked paprika for a vibrant chili powder.
Stirring vegetables
Stirring together a colorful mix of vegetables builds great texture and flavor.
Adding browned turkey and beans
Add browned turkey, seasonings, tomatoes and beans to finish the chili.
Bowl of chili for winter night
A comforting, flavorful meal perfect for a cold winter night.

Warm up this winter with a nourishing bowl of turkey chili — rich in vegetables, beans and layered with homemade spice. Enjoy, Karen.