Turkey Apple Chili – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Fall Dinner

There’s nothing like a big bowl of turkey apple chili when the nights turn crisp. It’s hearty and warm, with juicy ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and little bursts of apple that surprise you in the best way. The cinnamon and sage make every spoonful taste like fall comfort in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Apple Chili

This recipe is a hug in a bowl. You get the sweetness of apples playing against the rich spices of chili powder and cumin. The turkey keeps it lean but filling, while the veggies add color and heartiness. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for cozy weekends.

It’s also a great recipe for meal prep. Chili flavors get better as they sit, so you’ll love having leftovers in the fridge. And yes, this one freezes beautifully, which means you can stock your freezer for quick dinners later.

For another comforting fall dish that pairs beautifully, you can serve it alongside these flaky roasted autumn vegetable pot pies. Together, they turn any dinner into a cozy autumn feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, cilantro, or sour cream

If apples make you smile as much as they do me, you’ll also love trying this skillet apple cider chicken for another apple-inspired dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Brown the turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it into crumbles and cook until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Add apples and sweet potatoes

Stir in the diced apples and sweet potatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes so they start to soften.

Season and simmer

Sprinkle in the sage, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and extra salt and pepper. Stir to coat everything in the spices. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have blended.

Serve and enjoy

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Warm cornbread or rice on the side makes it even better.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Choose a sweet, firm apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji so it doesn’t turn mushy while cooking. If you like your chili spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder. For a lighter texture, you can use ground chicken instead of turkey.

This chili stores well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Freeze in individual portions so you can reheat exactly what you need.

If apples are your thing, don’t miss this skillet apple cider chicken for another comforting fall dinner.

Variations to Try

Swap the turkey for ground chicken or ground beef if that’s what you have. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add two cans of beans like black beans or kidney beans. Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens. For a deeper fall flavor, replace part of the chicken broth with apple cider.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is delicious on its own, but you can also spoon it over baked potatoes for a fun twist. Pair it with a crisp salad or fluffy biscuits for a complete meal. And if you’re a chili lover, you might also enjoy this turkey sweet potato chili on your next cozy night in.
If chili is your love language, don’t miss our Easy Crockpot Chili for another hearty bowl to keep in your rotation.

FAQS About turkey apple chili

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