When the air turns crisp and autumn leaves begin to fall, nothing satisfies quite like a warm bowl of chili. But this isn’t your average chili—it’s a Turkey Apple Chili, a dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors with a comforting, hearty texture. Imagine the earthy richness of ground turkey mingling with tender carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples, all simmered in a tomato base spiced with sage, cinnamon, and chili powder. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just the right kind of unexpected.
This chili is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s wholesome, nourishing, and full of color—perfect for chilly nights or meal prep for busy weeks. The combination of apples and sweet potatoes adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the gentle heat of the chili powder and the aromatic warmth of sage. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with comfort.
Recipe Overview
Turkey Apple Chili is a wholesome one-pot dish made with lean ground turkey, sweet apples, hearty vegetables, and a medley of warm spices. The result is a rich, flavorful chili that’s slightly sweet, gently spiced, and full of satisfying texture. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegetarian by swapping the turkey for beans or lentils.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this fragrant, flavor-packed chili at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
- 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes, halved and quartered (about 2 small sweet potatoes)
- 2 cups diced apple (about 2 apples, any crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1½ tsp rubbed sage, divided
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 1–2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables and Fruit
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples, then season with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, pepper, 1 tsp sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle. The apples will begin to soften, and the vegetables will start to release their sweetness.
Tip: Choose firm, crisp apples so they hold their texture as they simmer.
2. Brown the Turkey
Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
This step builds the base of your chili’s flavor—let the turkey brown slightly for extra richness.
3. Build the Flavor
Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, ½ tsp sage, and the remaining 1 tsp salt. Mix until the tomato paste coats the meat and vegetables evenly.
The combination of chili powder and sage creates a beautiful balance—earthy, aromatic, and just a little spicy.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes (or marinara). Stir well, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Let the chili simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, uncovered, until the sweet potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors have deepened.
Tip: If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer longer; for a soupier version, add a splash of broth or water.
5. Add the Beans and Finish
Finally, add the kidney beans and stir to combine. Let the chili cook for another 5 minutes to warm the beans through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add a bit more salt, chili powder, or a pinch of cinnamon for balance.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.
Cooking Tips & Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
1. Make It Vegetarian
Replace the turkey with extra beans or lentils. A combination of kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas adds great texture and plenty of protein.
2. Spice It Up
If you like your chili with a little heat, add 1 diced jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper while browning the turkey.
3. Boost the Sweetness
For a naturally sweeter flavor, use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. For a tart contrast, Granny Smith works beautifully.
4. Add Greens
Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
5. Experiment with Texture
Add corn kernels, bell peppers, or even butternut squash for more layers of flavor and texture.
6. Make Ahead
This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. It’s an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeks or freezer prep.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or rice.
- Top with fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
This dish pairs beautifully with cozy evenings, family dinners, or as a nourishing lunch for the week ahead.
Turkey Apple Chili brings together the heartiness of chili with the warmth of fall spices and the sweetness of apples. It’s a recipe that celebrates comfort and balance—rich without being heavy, sweet without being sugary, and satisfying without the guilt.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or making a big pot for meal prep, this chili will fill your home with the scent of comfort and your bowl with joy. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this dish is destined to become a seasonal favorite.
FAQs
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. What apples work best?
Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith—they hold up well during cooking.
3. Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or extra chili powder to suit your spice preference.
4. How do I thicken the chili?
Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or mash some of the sweet potatoes to create a thicker consistency.
5. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes—ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe.
Turkey Apple Chili combines lean ground turkey, sweet apples, and hearty vegetables in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. A comforting, healthy one-pot meal perfect for fall nights.