This Southwest style chili recipe is made with both turkey and ground beef! It's full of veggies and makes a satisfying meal for those cool weather evenings or anytime you're craving comfort food!
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure policy can be found here.
Who doesn't love a big bowl of chili on a chilly day?
I made this chili even though our weather is still hot.
Why?
Because I'm the mom and I can! 😃
Seriously, can you even believe how often we have to cook for our families? Some days, a one pot meal is all I can muster!
The good news is that this chili is full of healthy, grass fed meats and veggies! It slow simmers all day so once the prep is done, there's nothing much left to do other than nibble on bon bons and recline on the sofa watching soap operas all day.
Haha, yeah right! That is not me at all!
...although bon bons sound awfully tempting 😊
This easy Southwest chili recipe is perfect for busy moms (and bloggers) who are running around all day, trying to keep the chaos under control!
In all honesty, I have a great chili recipe from my mom-in-law that I rely on. However, today I didn't have all the ingredients (and was too busy to run to the store) so I decided to improvise.
Normally my chili always has kidney beans and stewed tomatoes. Today I went with some more Southwest flavors, and it turned out great! I used black beans instead of kidney beans and a can of diced tomatoes with a small can of tomato sauce replaced the large can of stewed tomatoes.
I also added garlic, which usually doesn't make an appearance in my chili recipe. But I only had 1/2 of an onion, and decided to throw some minced garlic into the mix.
With a one-pot meal like this, unless you try something totally crazy, it usually works out! Simmering all day means the flavors meld and blend together. This recipe turned out so well that everyone gave it a thumbs up and I definitely plan to make it this way again! Keep reading for a printable recipe card.
Hence the blog post...now that it's written down, I can refer back to it as well!
Ingredients for Southwest Style Chili
(Serves 4-6)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 celery ribs diced
- 2 jalapenos, ribs and seeds removed, diced
- 6 mini bell peppers, seeded and diced (or 1 bell pepper)
- 1 lb grass fed ground beef (I buy mine at Aldi)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 4 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14 oz can organic black beans
- 2 tsp Worchestershire
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 5-6 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp tumeric*
- 1/4 tsp red pepper (cayenne)*
- 3-4 grinds of sea salt
- 2-3 grinds of black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon oil
* I try to add these seasonings to most of my dishes because they're so healthy and good for you and full of health benefits!
Note: if you're sensitive to spicy foods maybe eliminate the jalapeno and use only 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne
How to make southwest style chili
- Dice veggies and add to 1 tsp oil in preheated Dutch oven(or other heavy pot that can be on the heat for hours). Sprinkle with salt and close the lid so veggies can steam and soften. Let them cook for 5-8 minutes.
- Add ground meat and break up with wooden spoon or ground beef masher.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked through.
- Drain juices and oil.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook for 4-5 hours, allowing flavors to blend. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
I like to keep the lid on with the steam vent open. This keeps moisture inside the pot and prevents the chili from drying out until it's time to serve. Speaking of serving, you're missing out if you're not topping your chili with all the things! Read on to find out what our favorite chili toppings are!
What to serve with southwest chili
My mother-in-law says that when she was growing up, her mom served chili over mashed potatoes or rice. Weird, huh? But yummy!
We like to top this southwest chili with more south-of-the-border flavors like fresh tortilla chips (HEB makes the best!), jalapenos, avocado, sour cream and grated cheddar cheese.
It makes such a satisfying bowl of comfort food.
Speaking of bowls, these salad bowls from Sweese are new. They're 28 oz, which is very generous, and we love using them for soup, stew, pasta, and chili! They're big enough that they contain a healthy portion of food, with enough room so you don't make a mess!
And they have a fun shape, kind of oblong.
The most important thing is these bowls are big enough so you have room to really pile on the toppings! I like to stick tortilla chips around the edges of the bowl, right into the chili!
Oh man, get into my mouth right now!
I hope you try this recipe and let me know what you think of my southwest style chili!
Pin it to remember!
bringing beauty to the ordinary,
FAQs
When making chili, former Southern Living Test Kitchen Director, Robby Melvin, recommends using a mix of ground chuck and ground sirloin. "It's the best of both worlds," he says. "You get a balanced lean-to-fat ratio from the chuck and the hearty, beefy leanness from the sirloin."
What is the secret to amazing chili? ›
Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.
Can ground turkey be substituted for ground beef in chili? ›
A traditional style chili that can be made with ground turkey or ground beef. I have made this recipe with ground beef and ground turkey, and they both have a similar flavor. Delicious with sweet corn bread and shredded Cheddar cheese.
What percentage of ground beef is best for chili? ›
Use lean beef, but not super lean meat. The best ground beef for chili has some fat, so 85% lean is ideal. Don't be tempted to use extra-lean beef or drain off the fat after browning the meat. The fat bastes the meat during cooking, which adds richness to the sauce and keeps the meat moist.
What adds the most flavor to chili? ›
If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.
What makes chili taste better? ›
"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."
What not to put in chili? ›
Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.
Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›
The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.
Does sugar make chili taste better? ›
Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.
Can you mix ground turkey and ground beef? ›
You may not have thought of doing it before, but combining ground beef and turkey into one burger patty creates a nice texture and flavor combination. The beef keeps the burger juicy, and the turkey adds a leaner meat to the mix while reducing the amount the cooked burger will shrink on the grill.
It depends on the fat content of both the turkey and the beef. If you have an 80/20 beef, you would want to balance it out with a 93/7 ground turkey. Ideally, you would want to use an 85/15 turkey and an 85/15 beef(or a little leaner on the beef) to maintain flavor and moisture for however you may want to use it.
What can I add to ground turkey to make it taste like beef? ›
Whenever I made turkey burgers, I would dissolve some beef bouillon in a little water and add it to the turkey with a little canola oil, then season and form the patties. The bouillon gave it some flavor and the water and oil helped with moisture. Just make sure not to overcook.
Which onion is best for chili? ›
Sweet onions are great for caramelizing due to their higher sugar content. You can cook them into your chili, serve them raw over top, or even elevate your chili with a sophisticated caramelized onion topping! Some of my favorite sweet onions are Walla, Walla, Maui, and Vidalia Onions.
When making chili do you drain the beans? ›
Too much liquid will thin your chili
The same holds true for using canned beans in chili. According to Taste of Home, you should typically drain canned beans before adding them to your pot of chili. All that liquid can seriously water the chili down, diluting all its flavors.
Should I drain hamburger meat for chili? ›
The beef will release a lot of fat and liquid — do not drain it; you'll skim the fat off at the end. Add the ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, until well combined and fragrant.
What is the most popular meat in Chile? ›
Popular meats in Chile:
- Chicken: Chicken is a versatile meat used in many Chilean recipes. ...
- Other meats like rabbit and goat are an essential part of regional dishes.
- Beef: Beef is a staple in Chilean cuisine and is used in various traditional dishes.
Luckily, there isn't a right or wrong answer. Beef broth adds a hearty, robust flavor, while chicken broth brings a lighter, more delicate taste. Veggie broth or organic mushroom broth is a great option for those who prefer a plant-based chili.
Is pork or beef better in chili? ›
Traditionally it's only with beef. Beef has the most assertive flavor which holds up best against the spices. The others add texture, but get overwhelmed in flavor, unless that's what you're looking for. Obviously, none of the responders who have answered so far have ever had a bowl of New Mexico green chili.
Does traditional chili have meat? ›
The ICS defines Traditional Red Chili as "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed."
