Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe: Easy and Hearty Way to Use Thanksgiving Turkey

Benefits and Advantages of leftover turkey chili

Leftover turkey chili is a fantastic way to repurpose cooked turkey, offering several remarkable benefits. Primarily, it helps reduce food waste by creatively using leftover meat, contributing to more sustainable cooking habits. This chili is rich in lean protein thanks to the turkey, which is generally lower in fat than beef or pork.

The recipe is quick and simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy individuals or families seeking wholesome meals without a long cooking process. Nutritionally, the dish is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants from the combination of beans, vegetables, and spices, promoting overall health and balanced nutrition.

Its versatility allows many ingredient and flavor customizations, fitting dietary preferences such as gluten-free, low-calorie, or plant-based alternatives. The robust, comforting flavors and warmth of leftover turkey chili make it a perfect option for family dinners or make-ahead meals.

Combining convenience, nutrition, and hearty taste, leftover turkey chili is a nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare and universally satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for leftover turkey chili

To make a delicious leftover turkey chili, these ingredients are essential:

• 3 to 4 cups shredded cooked turkey meat (approximately 1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or 3 tablespoons butter)
• 2 cups chopped onion (or 1 large red onion, about 180 grams, diced)
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (or 1 red bell pepper, about 155 grams, diced)
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
• 2 to 4 tablespoons chili powder (a mix including ancho chili powder is recommended)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin (or 2 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
• ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust spice level)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or ¼ cup)
• 3 cans (15oz each) crushed tomatoes or 28 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 to 1.5 cups turkey, chicken, or beef stock (beef stock preferred for richer flavor)
• 2 cans (14 to 15 oz each) kidney, black, or mixed beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can fire-roasted chilies (optional)
• 1 to 3 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste (approximately 1 tablespoon sea salt)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional garnishes include shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, crushed corn chips, or diced avocado, adding texture and creaminess.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your leftover turkey chili

Leftover turkey chili is easily adaptable based on dietary needs and ingredient availability:

• Vegan Options: Replace turkey with tofu, tempeh, or hearty legumes, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef stock.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free ingredients are used, but ensure all canned products and spices are gluten-free certified.
• Lower Calorie: Use lean turkey breast, reduce added fats, or omit butter/oils, and rely on spices to maintain flavor.
• Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper or add fresh jalapeños for more heat; omit or reduce spices for milder taste.
• Bean Variety: Substitute kidney or black beans with pinto, cannellini, chickpeas, or great northern beans for texture and flavor changes.
• Broth Variations: Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake.

These options ensure leftover turkey chili can be enjoyed by a wide range of diets and preferences without losing its character.

How to Prepare the Perfect leftover turkey chili: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Heat fat: Warm olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Add aromatics & spices: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
4. Mix in tomato base: Add crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Stir to combine.
5. Include beans and chilies: Add drained beans and fire-roasted chilies if desired. Stir well.
6. Add turkey: Incorporate shredded turkey, stirring evenly.
7. Simmer: Bring chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and cook for 30 to 60 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the chili slightly.
8. Season to taste: Adjust salt, sugar, or spices as needed based on flavor preference.
9. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with cheese, sour cream, onions, corn chips, or avocado as desired.

Following these steps results in a rich, hearty chili perfect for using leftover turkey while customizing to your taste.

Try pairing this chili with a cozy side like cornbread dressing to round out a satisfying meal.

Advanced Tips and Variations

To make your leftover turkey chili even more flavorful and enjoyable, consider these tips and creative variations:

• Homemade Broth: Use homemade turkey or beef broth instead of store-bought to deepen the flavor and reduce sodium content.
• Brighten the Flavor: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of apple cider vinegar to add richness and a slight tang.
• Bean Varieties: Experiment with kidney, black, pinto, cannellini, or chickpeas to vary texture and nutrition.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to increase fiber and nutrients.
• Smoky Touch: Incorporate chipotle peppers or smoked paprika for a smoky undertone with a mild kick.
• Lighten it Up: Use less oil and more spices to keep the dish flavorful with fewer calories.
• Serve Creatively: Pair it with quinoa, brown rice, or spaghetti squash to change the meal’s texture and nutrition profile.
• Reheat Carefully: When warming leftovers, add a splash of stock or water to maintain moisture and freshness.

These ideas allow you to customize leftover turkey chili to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs while keeping it hearty and nutritious.

How to Store leftover turkey chili: Best Practices

Proper storage ensures your leftover turkey chili stays safe and delicious for future meals:

• Refrigeration: Transfer chili into airtight containers within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Freeze in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Portioning before freezing makes reheating easier. Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat slowly on the stove or microwave until steaming hot with occasional stirring.
• Avoid Reheating Multiple Times: Repeated reheating can degrade texture and flavor, so reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

Following these storage tips preserves flavor, texture, and ensures safety. For additional guidance on homemade chili techniques, visit How to Make Homemade Chili.

Nutritional Value of leftover turkey chili

Leftover turkey chili is a nutrient-packed meal offering balanced macros and essential micronutrients. Here’s a typical nutritional snapshot per serving (about one-eighth of the recipe):

This dish offers a wholesome blend of protein, fiber, and nutrients making it a healthy option for families and meal prep. Learn more about the Health Benefits of Turkey Meat.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About leftover turkey chili

leftover turkey chili

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5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

🦃 Leftover Turkey Chili transforms holiday turkey into a hearty, flavorful meal packed with protein and comforting spices.
🍲 This recipe is perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, and enjoying rich, robust chili flavors with customizable heat and ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 to 4 cups shredded cooked turkey meat (approximately 1 pound)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or 3 tablespoons butter)

2 cups chopped onion (or 1 large red onion, about 180 grams, diced)

1 cup chopped green bell pepper (or 1 red bell pepper, about 155 grams, diced)

3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced

2 to 4 tablespoons chili powder (a mix including ancho chili powder is recommended)

1 tablespoon ground cumin (or 2 teaspoons)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)

½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust spice level)

1 tablespoon tomato paste (or ¼ cup)

3 cans (15oz each) crushed tomatoes or 28 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained

1 to 1.5 cups turkey, chicken, or beef stock (beef stock preferred for richer flavor)

2 cans (14 to 15 oz each) kidney, black, or mixed beans, drained and rinsed

1 (4 oz) can fire-roasted chilies (optional)

1 to 3 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Salt to taste (approximately 1 tablespoon sea salt)

½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Heat fat: Warm olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.

Add aromatics & spices: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Mix in tomato base: Add crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Stir to combine.

Include beans and chilies: Add drained beans and fire-roasted chilies if desired. Stir well.

Add turkey: Incorporate shredded turkey, stirring evenly.

Simmer: Bring chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and cook for 30 to 60 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the chili slightly.

Season to taste: Adjust salt, sugar, or spices as needed based on flavor preference.

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with cheese, sour cream, onions, corn chips, or avocado as desired.

Notes

🔥 Adjust cayenne and chili powder to control heat level for your taste preference.
🥫 Use a variety of beans like kidney, black, or pinto for texture and flavor diversity.
💧 To thicken chili, puree some beans with liquid or add a cornstarch slurry before simmering.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Simmering Time: 30-60 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 375-430 kcal
• Sugar: 7-15 g
• Sodium: 946-1600 mg
• Fat: 13-14 g
• Saturated Fat: Varies
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41-45 g
• Fiber: 10-11 g
• Protein: 21-36 g
• Cholesterol: 48-83 mg

Keywords: Leftover Turkey Chili, Turkey Chili Recipe, Hearty Chili, Thanksgiving Leftovers