This Turkey Chili with Lentils takes 50 minutes total and makes 6 servings. Cook ground turkey with onions, peppers, and carrots, add spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika), stir in canned tomatoes, beans, and lentils, then simmer for 25–30 minutes. The lentils make it extra thick and protein-rich! Best served with shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, and corn chips.
Turkey Lentil Chili
I’ve been making this turkey chili for my family for years—it’s become our go-to comfort meal on cold January nights. As a mom of two boys who won’t eat “weird” foods, I’ve perfected this recipe to be kid-friendly while still packing in nutrition. The lentils were my secret weapon to sneak in extra protein without my kids even noticing!
I love making this turkey chili in larger batches so I can freeze leftovers—perfect for easy hot lunches later in the week. The lentils add extra protein and help thicken the chili, making it a simple, satisfying one-pot meal. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
My favorite way to eat it is with corn chips, shredded cheddar, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime on top.
How to Make Turkey Chili with Lentils Video
Watch how this turkey chili recipe comes together in one pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This turkey chili is simple, filling, and full of flavor. Here’s why we love it:
- One pot and easy – This recipe is made in a single pot, making cleanup simple.
- Hearty but lighter – Ground turkey and lentils make it filling without feeling heavy.
- Flexible – Easy to add extra vegetables or adjust spices to your taste.
- Great for leftovers – Flavors deepen overnight, perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Lentil Chili
These simple ingredients come together to make a tasty, satisfying turkey chili that’s easy to prepare:
- Ground turkey – Adds protein and a mild flavor that blends well with the spices.
- Onion – Diced for sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – Minced to add aroma and savory flavor.
- Bell pepper – Adds color and subtle sweetness.
- Carrot – Finely diced or grated for natural sweetness and texture.
- Diced tomatoes – Provide body and rich tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce – Adds smoothness and helps bind the chili together.
- Canned red kidney beans – Provide protein, fiber, and a hearty texture.
- Canned lentils – Add thickness and extra protein without changing the flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – Adjusts consistency and keeps the chili moist.
- Chili powder – Brings warmth and classic chili flavor.
- Smoked paprika – Adds subtle smoky depth.
- Ground cumin – Enhances the savory profile.
- Dried oregano – Adds mild herbaceous notes.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds a little heat!
- Salt and black pepper – Season to taste, or skip if serving with salty sides.
- Olive oil or cooking oil – For sautéing vegetables.
- Apple cider vinegar – Brightens flavors at the end.
- Cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, green onions, or lime juice (optional) – For garnish and added freshness.
Directions for Easy Turkey Chili with Lentils and Beans
This turkey chili comes together easily and makes a satisfying, comforting meal for any night of the week.
STEP 1: Cook the vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
STEP 2: Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey to the vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
STEP 3: Add the spices. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne. Cook 1–2 minutes to let the flavors bloom.
STEP 4: Add liquids and tomatoes. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
STEP 5: Add the beans and lentils. Stir in the kidney beans and lentils. Bring to a gentle simmer.
STEP 6: Simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally. If the chili thickens too much, add more broth or water.
STEP 7: Finish. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in apple cider vinegar!
STEP 8: Serve. Spoon chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and shredded cheddar cheese.
What to Serve Turkey Chili With
These sides pair well with the chili and make a complete, satisfying meal:
- Cornbread or corn muffins – Slightly sweet and soft, a classic chili pairing.
- Tortilla chips – Great for scooping and adding a crunchy texture.
- Green salad – Light and fresh to balance the meal.
- Baked potatoes – Serve the chili over potatoes for a comforting dinner.
- Hot dogs – Spoon the chili over grilled or baked hot dogs for easy chili dogs.
Helpful Notes
A few tips to make this chili even easier and more flexible:
- Adjust salt – If your sides are salty, you can leave out the salt in the chili.
- Simmering – Cook uncovered to let the chili thicken. Partially cover if it reduces too quickly.
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Common Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about making and storing this turkey chili:
Yes, you can skip the turkey and add extra lentils or beans instead.
Absolutely. Black beans or pinto beans work well.
This recipe is mild by default. You can add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Yes, ground chicken can be used instead of turkey. It’s slightly milder, so you may want to add a bit more seasoning, but the cooking method stays the same.
Yes! Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the beans and lentils about halfway through if you want them to hold their shape, and add any garnishes when serving.
More Easy Recipes
If you’re looking for more simple recipes to try, these are easy favorites:
- Unsweetened Applesauce – Smooth and lightly sweet, this homemade applesauce is perfect for snacks, baking, or serving alongside meals.
- Low-Sugar Blueberry Muffins – Soft and tender with juicy blueberries, these muffins are great for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.
- 3-Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix – Rich, chocolatey, and quick to make, this simple mix is perfect for cozy nights or gifting.
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Turkey Chili with Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup broth chicken or vegetable
- 1 15 oz can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can lentils drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add spices. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne. Cook 1–2 minutes to toast the spices lightly.
- Add tomatoes and broth. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the chili. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken slightly.
- Add beans and lentils. Stir in red kidney beans and lentils. Cook 5 more minutes until heated through.
- Finish and brighten. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in apple cider vinegar, then serve hot with optional garnishes like cheddar, Greek yogurt, cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime.
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