This Hairy Bikers’ Turkey Chilli is a hearty and healthy recipe, which is made with lean ground turkey and kidney beans. It’s a classic comfort food dish, perfect for a weeknight meal, and ready in about 45 minutes.
Hairy Bikers Turkey Chilli Recipe Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1 (28 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 (16 ounce) can canned kidney beans – drained, rinsed, and mashed
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
How To Make Hairy Bikers Turkey Chilli Recipe
- Brown the Turkey and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until evenly browned. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Build the Chilli Base: Pour in the water and stir in the crushed tomatoes, mashed kidney beans, and minced garlic.
- Add Spices: Add all the spices to the pot: chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer the Chilli: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: After simmering, give the chilli a final stir, check the seasoning, and serve hot.

Recipe Tips
- Why mash the kidney beans? Mashing some or all of the kidney beans before adding them to the pot is a great trick. It helps to naturally thicken the chilli, giving it a richer, heartier consistency without needing to add flour or cornstarch.
- How do you get the best flavor? The 30-minute simmer is key. Don’t rush this step. It allows all the spices to bloom and the flavors to deepen and combine, resulting in a much more delicious chilli.
- Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely. This recipe has a medium kick from the cayenne pepper. You can reduce or omit it for a milder chilli, or add a little extra if you prefer more heat.
- What’s the best pot to use? A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal. It distributes the heat evenly and prevents the bottom of the chilli from scorching during the long simmer.
What To Serve With Turkey Chilli
This lighter take on chilli is versatile and pairs well with many classic accompaniments:
- Fluffy white or brown rice
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat
- Grated cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or warm cornbread on the side
How To Store Turkey Chilli
- Refrigerate: Cool the chilli completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor is often even better the next day.
- Freeze: This recipe freezes very well. Cool it down, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Turkey Chilli Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes. While this is a turkey chilli, you could easily substitute it with lean ground beef or even a plant-based mince for a vegetarian version.
You don’t have to, but it is recommended for thickening the chilli. If you prefer whole beans, you can leave them as they are, but your chilli might have a thinner consistency.
Yes. Brown the turkey and onion in a pan first, then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
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Hairy Bikers Turkey Chilli Recipe
Description
A hearty, healthy, and flavorful chilli made with lean ground turkey, mashed kidney beans for a creamy texture, and a classic blend of warm spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot. Brown the ground turkey, then stir in the onion and cook until tender.
- Pour in the water and add the crushed tomatoes, mashed kidney beans, and garlic.
- Stir in all the spices (chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Check seasoning and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Mashing the kidney beans is a great way to naturally thicken the chilli.
- The 30-minute simmer is essential for all the flavors to develop and meld together.
- This chilli is a great make-ahead meal, as the flavors are even better the next day.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.