There’s something so comforting about a bowl of chili on a crisp evening, and this Apple Sage Turkey Chili is here to steal the show. With a subtitle that promises you’ll “Savor the unique blend of tart apples and savory turkey in this hearty chili that’s perfect for cool evenings,” it truly delivers on that warm hug-in-a-bowl promise. The sweetness of Granny Smith apples, balanced by earthy sage and zingy chili powder, creates a flavor symphony that dances on your taste buds. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I was thrilled to discover how easily this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking, plus a brief 10-minute rest. Clocking in at about 350 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious, balanced dinner that even beginner cooks can master with ease.
When I first tossed diced apples into my chili pot, I was skeptical—could fruit really belong in such a savory dish? But as the aroma rose from the Dutch oven, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. This turkey chili isn’t just another bowl of bean stew; it’s a delightful twist on classic comfort food. With its combination of lean ground turkey, bright green bell pepper, and creamy white kidney beans, it checks all the boxes for a healthy yet indulgent meal. Perfect for those evenings when you want something cozy but still packed with nutrients, this dish also pairs beautifully with cornbread or a scoop of rice for extra heartiness. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step of creating this bowl of joy from start to finish.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE SAGE TURKEY CHILI
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star players of this chili. Each ingredient contributes its own unique character—some bring warmth, others a touch of sweetness or a punch of spice. Together, they create a comforting, well-balanced dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
- Olive oil
Serves as the flavorful foundation, helping to sauté onions and garlic without sticking. Its rich, fruity notes complement the mellow turkey and aromatic sage perfectly.
- Onion
Adds a sweet-savory backbone to the chili. When diced and cooked until translucent, it melds beautifully with garlic, creating that classic chili base that’s lightly caramelized for depth.
- Garlic
Brings a punch of pungent savoriness. Minced finely, it infuses the oil and onions with its bold personality, setting the stage for the other spices to shine.
- Ground turkey
The lean protein hero of the recipe. It soaks up all the seasonings and holds the chili together, making it a lighter alternative to beef without sacrificing any heartiness.
- Apples
Preferably tart Granny Smiths, peeled and diced. They introduce a refreshing sweetness and gentle crispness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.
- Green bell pepper
Contributes a bright, vegetal freshness and slight crunch. It enhances the texture and adds a pop of color to every spoonful.
- Dried sage
Infuses the chili with its earthy, piney aroma. Sage’s herbal warmth ties the sweet apples and savory turkey together in perfect harmony.
- Ground cumin
Adds earthy, citrusy undertones that are signature to chili. Cumin deepens the flavor profile and gives each mouthful a cozy warmth.
- Chili powder
Delivers mild heat and smoky complexity. It’s the key to bringing that classic chili zing, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper
The simplest pair but absolutely essential. They enhance and balance all the other flavors, so don’t skimp on seasoning to taste.
- White kidney beans
Also known as cannellini beans, they lend a creamy texture and protein boost. Rinsed and drained, they soak up the broth for tender bites.
- Diced tomatoes
Provide juicy acidity and a vibrant red hue. Their juice adds moisture and tang, keeping the chili luscious.
- Tomato paste
Intensifies the tomato flavor with a concentrated richness. It thickens the chili, giving it that hearty, stick-to-your-ribs consistency.
- Chicken or vegetable broth
The cooking liquid that unites everything. It’s the canvas on which all ingredients mingle, ensuring the chili isn’t too thick or thin.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and stirred in at the end, it brightens the finished dish with a pop of green and a hint of fresh, peppery flavor.
- Optional garnishes
Such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. They bring creaminess, extra zest, and color when served, making each bowl feel special.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE SAGE TURKEY CHILI
Bringing together a medley of savory and sweet, this recipe is straightforward yet full of technique. From sautéing aromatics to gently simmering, each step builds flavor, ensuring you end up with a chili that’s rich, warming, and utterly satisfying.
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges begin to soften and the mixture smells sweetly savory.
2. Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until no pink remains and the turkey is fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. The meat should be lightly browned but tender.
3. Stir in the diced apples and green bell pepper. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the apples start to soften and the bell pepper just begins to release its juices, about 3–4 minutes. This step creates that delightful balance of tender fruit and crisp veggie.
4. Mix in the dried sage, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well so that all the spices coat the meat and vegetables evenly. This is where the aromatic foundation of your chili really develops, so make sure everything is well combined.
5. Add the white kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine all the elements. The mixture should look vibrant and be the right consistency to simmer without needing extra liquid.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling lightly around the edges, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together into one cohesive, hearty chili.
7. Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding extra salt or pepper if needed. The fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild herbal note to finish the dish.
8. Serve the chili hot, with any optional garnishes you like—sour cream for creaminess, shredded cheese for melting richness, or chopped green onions for a crisp bite. Each topping personalizes the experience!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE SAGE TURKEY CHILI
Serving this chili is half the fun. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner or cozying up for family movie night, these ideas will elevate your presentation and make each bowl feel like an occasion. Feel free to mix and match to suit your mood and taste buds.
- Cornbread on the side
A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the classic companion. Its sweet crumb melts in your mouth alongside the tangy chili. Serve it right out of the skillet, slathered with a pat of butter.
- Rice or quinoa bowl
Spoon the chili over a bed of fluffy rice or light quinoa to stretch the meal and soak up all the juices. A drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top really ties it together.
- Tortilla chip crunch
Lay a handful of sturdy tortilla chips in the bottom of your bowl before ladling in chili. The chips soften slightly, creating a fun texture contrast reminiscent of nachos, yet with a cozy twist.
- Loaded chili dogs
For a playful spin, top grilled or toasted hot dog buns with the chili and your favorite garnishes. Add shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty, crowd-pleasing treat.
HOW TO STORE APPLE SAGE TURKEY CHILI
Making a big pot of this chili means you’ll have leftovers to look forward to, and proper storage ensures every bite stays as delicious as the first. Whether you’re refrigerating for a few days or freezing for later, follow these tips to maintain the chili’s vibrant flavors and hearty texture.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the chili to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a bit of headroom for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture.
- Meal-prep portions: Divide the chili into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Store in the refrigerator if you’ll eat them within a few days, or freeze for later use. Just pop one in the microwave and add your favorite garnish.
- Reheating tips: To prevent splattering, reheat on low to medium heat with a splash of broth or water if it’s thicker than you like. Cover the pot or use a microwave-safe lid to keep moisture in, stirring halfway through.
CONCLUSION
I hope this deep dive into Apple Sage Turkey Chili has you eager to don your apron and give it a whirl. From the crisp bite of Granny Smith apples to the warming embrace of sage, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both comforting and delightfully unexpected. You’ve got all the preparation details—15 minutes of prep, 40 minutes of cooking, 10 minutes of rest, and about 350 calories per serving—to plan your evening perfectly. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or a kitchen newbie looking for a reliable yet novel recipe, this bowl of goodness won’t disappoint. Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder for those nights when you need a hearty, healthy meal on the table.
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe and make it your own. Don’t forget—you can find a FAQ below if you have any lingering questions about ingredients or techniques. If you give this chili a go, please drop a comment, share your tweaks, or let me know how it turned out. Your feedback and questions are what make this cooking journey so much fun. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious adventures in the kitchen!
Apple Sage Turkey Chili
Description
This Apple Sage Turkey Chili combines ground turkey, aromatic sage, and sweet Granny Smith apples for a deliciously unique twist on a classic. It’s warming, comforting, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
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Stir in the diced apples and green bell pepper. Cook until the apples start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
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Mix in the dried sage, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
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Add the white kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything to combine well.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
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Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve the chili hot, with optional garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions if desired.
Note
- Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness that balances the savory spices, but other firm apples can also work.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust the spiciness by altering the amount of chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Consider serving with warm cornbread or over rice for a heartier meal.
