This hearty Three Bean Turkey Chili is packed with yummy flavors and good-for-you ingredients like turkey and three types of beans. It’s perfect for warming you up on chilly days!
And when you serve it on top of sweet Honey Jalapeño Grits, it’s a match made in heaven! Seriously, who can resist that combo? I love how easy it is to whip up too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, ground turkey is great for this chili. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Beans: Kidney, pinto, and black beans add great texture. If you’re short on any, you can use just two types of beans, or substitute with chickpeas or lentils.
Jalapeño: This adds a kick to the grits. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild pepper like a green bell pepper, or skip it entirely and add some smoked paprika instead.
Honey: It brings sweetness to the grits, which pairs so well with the heat. Maple syrup or agave syrup would work as substitutes if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Chili Is Packed with Flavor?
Building flavor in your chili is all about layering ingredients and spices. Start by sautéing the onions, which is essential to develop a sweet base. Next, let the spices bloom in the pan with the turkey for one minute. This maximizes their flavor before you add the tomatoes and beans. Simmering the chili for at least 30 minutes allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Use fresh spices for better flavor.
- Consider cooking the chili longer, which deepens its flavors even more.
- Top it off with fresh cilantro and avocado for a refreshing finish.
How Can I Make Creamy Grits Without Clumps?
To achieve creamy, clump-free grits, the key is to stir continuously as you add the grits to the boiling liquid. Start with a whisk to break up any lumps immediately. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, which helps release the starches for a smooth texture. Don’t forget to add butter and cheese at the end for extra creaminess!
Three Bean Turkey Chili with Honey Jalapeño Grits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Three Bean Turkey Chili:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz)
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for topping)
For the Honey Jalapeño Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes chopping and prepping, and then about 30 minutes cooking to let all those wonderful flavors meld together. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Three Bean Turkey Chili:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and slightly translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Next, add the ground turkey to the pot and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast for about a minute.
After that, mix in the tomato paste, followed by the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything together, then add all three beans—give it a good stir again. Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover it partially, and let it cook for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning as necessary. The chili should be thick and full of flavor!
2. Prepare the Honey Jalapeño Grits:
While your chili is simmering, let’s make those creamy grits! In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to low. Cook the grits according to the package instructions—this typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir often to keep them lump-free.
As the grits get close to being finished, stir in the finely chopped jalapeño, honey, butter, and cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
3. Serve:
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the honey jalapeño grits into warm bowls and ladle the turkey chili over the top. For those finishing touches, garnish your chili with delicious slices of avocado and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. If you like, serve with cornbread or crusty bread on the side!
Enjoy this rich, hearty chili paired with the sweet-spicy creaminess of honey jalapeño grits for a comforting and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or even lean pork if you prefer. Just be aware that this may change the flavor slightly; ground beef tends to be richer.
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Yes! If you love the heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add more jalapeño to the grits. You can also add fresh diced chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the chili before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Can I Prepare the Grits Ahead of Time?
You can make the grits ahead of time! Simply prepare them as directed, let them cool, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen them up if needed.