White bean turkey chili is made with ground turkey, white beans, and a flavorful combination of spices. It’s a simple yet very satisfying chili recipe.

Love chili recipes with a twist? Try our Chicken Apple Chili.

white bean turkey chili

Chili is one of the most satisfying comfort meals. Everything from Lentil Chili, Creamy Chicken Chili, to Black Bean Quinoa Chili – there’s no doubt we love chili!

This white bean turkey chili combines tender beans, ground turkey, and poblano peppers with a variety of spices for a simple yet satisfying chili that is incredibly flavorful.

It’s easy to make, freezes well, and is not overly spicy– making it kid-friendly. Serve it with sour cream, shredded cheese, and creamy avocado for the best bowl of comfort food.

ingredients for turkey and white bean chili

What Kind of Beans Are Best for Chili?

Great Northern beans in my opinion make the best chili beans. They’re medium size beans, known best for their mild, nutty flavor and firm flesh. They hold their shape well and take on the flavors of the foods they’re cooked with.

The next option would be Cannellini beans. They’re bigger and meatier than Great Northern beans. They too have a nutty, earthy flavor, and retain their shape well.

How to Make White Bean Turkey Chili Recipe

  • In a large soup pot or a dutch oven, heat oil and add onions and poblano peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened. Add turkey and cook until crumbled and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
cooked ground turkey and vegetables in a pot
  • Stir in garlic and spices, including the brown sugar. Cook for about 30 seconds, while stirring constantly.
white beans and tomatoes in a pot
  • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, green chiles, beans, and stock. Simmer, partially covered, for about 30 minutes. Taste chili halfway through for salt and pepper.

Can I Make This in a Crockpot?

Yes, you can make this chili in a crockpot. Simply cook the veggies and turkey meat in the skillet first, then transfer everything to a crockpot with the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

See the recipe card for detailed crockpot instructions.

white bean turkey chili recipe

Topping Ideas

One of the best parts about any chili recipe is being able to customize it with your favorite toppings.

This turkey and white bean chili is a great chili to serve family-stye where everyone can build their own bowls with toppings they love. Here are some ideas:

  • Shredded Cheese – mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, or pepperjack are all great options
  • Sour Cream – creamy tang of sour cream is always a delicious addition to chili
  • Green Onions – sliced green onions add a pop of flavor and color. Finely chopped red onions is another good option
  • Cilantro – it’s great for flavor and as a garnish
  • Avocado – chopped avocado is another creamy option that pairs well with chili
  • Tortilla Chips – chips are great for dunking into chili or crush some up to use as a topping
  • Something Spicy – for extra-heat, add thinly sliced jalapeno peppers or hot sauce

More Delicious Turkey Chili Recipes

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turkey and white bean chili

White Bean Turkey Chili

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

White bean turkey chili is made with ground turkey, white beans, and a flavorful combination of spices. It’s a simple yet very satisfying chili recipe.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 poblano pepper, chopped
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. brown sugar
  • 1 3/4 cup crushed tomatoes (or about half of 28 oz. can)
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 (4 oz.) can green chilies
  • 2 (14 oz.) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken stock

Instructions

  1. In a large heavy-duty bottom dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and poblano pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add turkey and cook until crumbled and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. When turkey meat begins to brown, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and brown sugar. Cook until fragrant, while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, green chilies, beans, and stock. Season wtih salt salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occassionally. Taste for salt and pepper halfway through. Serve with toppings of choice.

Notes

  • Poblano Pepper: Poblano peppers can be found next to jalapeno peppers or bell peppers at most supermarkets. They’re a mild-tasting variety of chili peppers very dark green in color. 
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are normally sold in 28-ounce cans. For this recipe, you need half of a 28-ounce can or about 1 3/4 cups.
  • Beans: Cannellini beans are a good substitute for Great Northern beans.
  • Crockpot Instructions: Follow stovetop instructions #1 and #2. Remove from heat and add to the crockpot. Add in all the rest of the ingredients, and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for 4-6 hours. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 328
  • Sugar: 6.5 g
  • Sodium: 318.2 mg
  • Fat: 11.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 23.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 41.8 mg