If you’re tired of the same old chili, try this sweet and tangy baked bean turkey chili recipe. This is a hearty, warming meal that has green onions, ground turkey, and the sweet and savory flavors of baked beans.
Chili is one of my favorite easy, family friendly dinners. There are so many varieties, so it’s pretty easy to find a version that suits your tastes.
We love chicken chili, vegan chili, and even this bean free recipe that’s still full of flavor.
When we’re in the mood for something different, we make this sweet and tangy turkey chili that reminds me of baked beans. It’s an easy recipe that kids and adults love.
Ground turkey, pinto beans, black beans, and a flavorful, saucy base make this recipe extra delicious. Serve it with homemade vegan cornbread for a hearty meal that will fill you up!
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Turkey – Be sure to use 93% lean ground turkey for the best flavor and texture. If you go any leaner than that, the turkey tends to be quite dry.
- Beans – I used canned pinto beans and black beans. You could use a different variety if you like.
- Tomato Sauce – Plain canned tomato sauce makes up the base of this chili. You could also use homemade tomato puree.
- Mustard – Yellow mustard is a key ingredient – it adds a nice zip to this recipe.
- Sugar – Brown sugar adds a sweetness that is reminiscent of baked beans.
Substitutions
- If you would rather use ground beef, you can do that. You could also use ground bison if you prefer.
- Feel free to use different beans if you like. Try navy beans or kidney beans – pretty much any variety of canned beans would work well in this recipe.
- If you want to add more vegetables, you can do that. Try adding some chopped bell peppers or even some celery or carrots if you like.
Step by Step Instructions
- Put the green onions and ground turkey in a pot and cook over medium heat until the turkey is fully cooked.
- Add the beans, tomato sauce, broth, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and spices to the pot.
- Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Serve the chili topped with green onions or cilantro if desired.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 4 days.
You can freeze this if you like. Freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers. They should stay fresh frozen for up to 3 months.
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Recipe
Sweet Baked Bean Turkey Chili.
Ingredients
- 1 pounds ground turkey
- 6 green onions white and green parts chopped, plus more for garnish
- 15 ounces black beans don’t drain
- 15 ounces pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- 3 Tablespoons mustard
- 3 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, place the ground turkey, and chopped green onions. Cook over medium heat until turkey is cooked through.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the black beans with their juice, pinto beans, tomato sauce, broth, ketchup, water, mustard, dark brown sugar, sea salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Top each serving with more green onions, cilantro, or cheese as desired.
Darryl
Love this recipe! Crowd-pleaser!
Charlotte Herrington
I found out in November that I was gluten, wheat and diary free and I thought my foodie days were gone! … but there even better now!!! thanks so much for this recipe its fantastic :) I live on your blog!
Kelly
Yay! I’m so glad you liked the chili! Thanks for reading! Your comment made my day!:)
Thalia @ butter and brioche
I’ve actually never used turkey in chili before.. and am thinking it is something i must try after seeing this post. I love how super healthy, nourishing yet delicious this chili bowl is!
Kelly
Thank you so much, Thalia!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
I am obsessed with sweet and salty flavours and this looks awesome Kelly!
#veganfriendsunite ;)
Kelly
Thanks so much, Arman! Love that hashtag! ;)
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries
Mmmmmm..chili is one of my all time faves, and this looks so amazing and comforting. Such a creative idea to use the flavors of baked beans in this chili!
Kelly
Thanks, Annie!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
This sounds delicious, I’m loving the flavor profile! Enjoy the heat wave ;)
Kelly
Thanks, Sonali!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
This chili looks delicious, Kelly! Such a great idea to use ground turkey and baked beans. So creative!
Kelly
Thanks, Gayle!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
Sometimes I can get the most creative recipes when I’m feeling indecisive. I love this mash up of baked beans and chili. Yum! And such pretty pictures Kelly!
Kelly
Thanks, Natalie!
Julia
So happy to hear the weather’s going to warm up for you all! Honestly, you can show me chili any time of year, and I will happily mow it down! This sloppy-joe-meets-chili idea is fabulous! Just what I need for dinner tonight!
Kelly
Thanks, Julia! Yes, I am loving this 50 degree weather we are having these days!
whiskandshout
This looks great! love those spring onions on top :)
Kelly
Thank you!
Sarah@ Whole and Heavenly Oven
Things are still in full-on comfort food mode here so bring on the chili! This looks SO amazing and I can only imagine how perfect it would be with some homemade cornbread!