This Hairy Bikers Turkey Chilli is a healthy and flavourful recipe, which is made with ground turkey and kidney beans. It’s a great lighter comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Turkey Chilli 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
- Brown the turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey; cook and stir until it is evenly browned, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté the onion: Stir in the chopped onion and cook until it becomes tender.
- Combine ingredients: Add the water, then mix in the crushed tomatoes, mashed kidney beans, and minced garlic.
- Add spices: Stir in the chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 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 for the flavours to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with your favourite toppings.

Recipe Tips
- Why mash the kidney beans? Mashing the beans helps to thicken the chilli and creates a creamier consistency without adding any extra fat.
- How to adjust the spice level? The heat in this recipe comes from the cayenne pepper and chili powder. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier chili, add a little more.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added with the onion for extra nutrition and flavour.
- How to get the richest flavour? Letting the chilli rest for a little while after cooking, or even making it a day ahead, will allow the flavours to deepen.
What To Serve With Turkey Chilli
This lighter chilli is delicious served with a variety of toppings and sides.
- Toppings: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, grated cheese, fresh cilantro, or sliced avocado.
- Sides: Brown rice for a healthy option, warm cornbread, or a simple green salad.
How To Store Turkey Chilli
- Refrigerate: Let the chilli cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This chilli freezes very well. Let it cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of bean? Yes, black beans or pinto beans would be great substitutes for the kidney beans. You can choose to mash them or leave them whole.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes. Follow step 1 on the stovetop to brown the turkey and onion. Transfer to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef? Lean ground turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than most ground beef, making this a lighter but still protein-packed option.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Beef Chocolate Chilli Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chunky Chilli Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Hairy Bikers Turkey Chilli Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: American, BritishServings
8
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
40
minutesCalories
250
kcalA healthy, hearty, and flavourful chilli made with lean ground turkey and a rich blend of spices.
Ingredients
1 ½ tsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed, and mashed
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chili powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pot. Cook turkey until browned. Stir in onion and cook until tender.
- Add water, crushed tomatoes, mashed kidney beans, and garlic.
- Stir in all the spices, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favourite toppings.