Maple Turkey Chili
Warm up your evening with hearty Maple Turkey Chili, a comforting and flavorful dish combining lean ground turkey with the subtle sweetness of pure maple syrup, balanced by savory spices and tender beans. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this chili offers a wholesome twist on a classic favorite with inviting aromas and satisfying taste.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, High Protein
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Sweetener
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients – Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, drain and rinse black beans, and measure out spices and chicken broth so all components are ready.
- Step 2: Cook the Turkey – Heat a large pot over medium heat, add ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid oiliness.
- Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics – In the same pot, add onions and garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Step 4: Build the Chili Base – Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, and maple syrup; mix thoroughly.
- Step 5: Simmer to Perfection – Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spices like freshly ground cumin and chili powder for the best flavor.
- Simmer chili low and slow to develop rich, deep flavors.
- Add maple syrup gradually to balance sweetness and savoriness without overpowering heat.
- Brown the turkey well for better texture and flavor.
- Adjust chili thickness by adding broth if too thick, or simmer uncovered to reduce if too thin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: maple turkey chili, turkey chili, maple syrup chili, healthy chili, lean turkey recipe, gluten free chili, comfort food