Name: Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots); 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes, halved and quartered (about 2 smaller sweet potatoes); 2 cups diced apple (about 2 apples); 2 lbs ground lean turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage, divided; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; A sprinkle of nutmeg; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 3 cups crushed tomatoes; 2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce; 1-2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal that bursts with unexpected autumn flavors, then you absolutely must try this Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional chili, blending the savory richness of lean ground turkey with the sweet, tender goodness of diced apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, sage, and a hint of nutmeg, this chili becomes an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the essence of fall in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners and comforting gatherings alike.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white pot is filled with a mix of cooked ground meat and chopped vegetables. The bottom layer has small, light brown pieces of cooked ground meat, scattered among chunks of orange carrot slices, and small cubes of pale yellow potatoes, with some pieces showing a bit of red skin. The ingredients have a soft and crumbly texture, with a natural look of cooked food. All of this sits against a clean white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and color that makes the Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe so special. From fresh produce to pantry staples, everything comes together harmoniously.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle richness.
Sliced carrots (2 cups): Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
Sliced sweet potatoes (2 cups): Offers hearty texture and earthy sweetness.
Diced apple (2 cups): Brings a juicy crispness and delicate tartness to balance the savory elements.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances depth of flavor without overpowering.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds layered aromatic warmth.
Salt (2 tsp, divided): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Pepper (½ tsp): Provides gentle heat and complexity.
Rubbed sage (1 ½ tsp, divided): The star herb that ties the savory and sweet notes perfectly.
Cinnamon (½ tsp): Imparts a cozy warmth that complements the apples.
Nutmeg (a sprinkle): Adds a delicate hint of spice enhancing the autumn vibe.
Ground lean turkey (2 lbs): The protein-rich, lean meat base that keeps things light but filling.
Tomato paste (3 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
Chili powder (2 tsp): Brings chili’s signature spicy kick to brighten the dish.
Crushed tomatoes (3 cups): Creates a robust, smooth tomato base.
Strained tomatoes or marinara sauce (2 cups): Adds sweetness, depth, and a saucy texture.
Kidney beans (1-2 cans, optional): Adds heartiness and fiber for a complete chili experience.

How to Make Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Apples

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced carrots, sweet potatoes, and diced apples. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step ensures your sweet potatoes soften just right, and the apples release their natural juices, setting a fragrant, colorful foundation for your chili.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Next, add 2 pounds of ground lean turkey to the pot. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it loses all its pink color, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the meaty backbone of your chili while allowing the turkey to soak up the aromatic spices you've already introduced.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, ½ teaspoon more of rubbed sage, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until the tomato paste is evenly distributed. This layer deepens the chili’s flavor profile and introduces a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the apples and vegetables.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes

Pour in 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of strained tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir everything together and lower the heat to medium-low. This combination adds the rich, tomatoey base that makes chili so comforting and hearty.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking melds all those wonderful flavors beautifully. If you decide to include kidney beans, stir them in toward the end of cooking so they warm through without becoming mushy. Of course, feel free to adjust the liquid by adding chicken or bone broth if you prefer a slightly thinner consistency.

How to Serve Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick stew made of several layers of soft, orange carrot pieces, light yellow potato chunks, and reddish kidney beans, all mixed in a rich, red tomato-based sauce that coats each ingredient. The texture looks chunky and moist with hints of herbs sprinkled on top, adding small green specks over the vibrant mix. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Toss on some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of green freshness. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy touch that balances the spices wonderfully. Don’t forget a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or crushed tortilla chips for that irresistible texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every bit of that savory goodness. For lighter sides, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complement the richness without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe in cute mini cast iron skillets or rustic bread bowls for a fun presentation that guests will love. Alternatively, layering it over a bed of fluffy rice or even creamy mashed potatoes turns it into a hearty winter stew that's unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more over time, making your next meal taste even better than the first.

Freezing

This chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it perfect for meal prep or last-minute comforting dinners.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat to maintain texture and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water can help revive it if it’s thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too but stir occasionally to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef would work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as beef might need a little longer to brown and develop flavor.

What type of apples work best in this chili?

Go for sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. They hold their shape nicely during cooking and complement the savory spices without becoming mushy or overly sweet.

Is it necessary to add kidney beans?

Not at all! Kidney beans are optional and add more heft and fiber, but the chili is delicious and filling even without them.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes! If you love heat, increase the chili powder by an extra teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just remember to taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.

What can I do if I don’t have strained tomatoes?

No worries! You can substitute with marinara sauce or even a smooth tomato sauce. Just avoid chunky varieties to keep the texture just right.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Sage Turkey Chili Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. With its unique balance of sweet and savory, tender textures, and comforting spices, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create something so spectacularly delicious and satisfying. Happy cooking!