Cozy Apple Sage Turkey Chili: Easy Fall Comfort Food Recipe

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Kate

Introduction

Oh, the smell of fall! It always brings me back to those crisp autumn days, the rustling leaves, and the comforting aromas wafting from the kitchen. And what better way to capture that cozy feeling than with a big, warm bowl of chili? This Apple Sage Turkey Chili is like a hug in a bowl, bringing together all those classic fall flavors in a way that’s surprisingly simple and oh-so-delicious. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like home, and the best part? You can whip it up in practically no time at all!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re short on time but craving something hearty.
Easy: Seriously, minimal prep and straightforward steps make this a winner for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Giftable: Imagine bringing a big pot of this to a friend who’s under the weather or just needs a little cheering up – pure thoughtfulness!
Crowd-pleasing: The unique blend of sweet apple and earthy sage is a delightful surprise that even picky eaters will adore.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical pot of chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to get things started and sautéing beautifully.
2 lbs ground lean turkey: Our lean protein base, making this chili satisfying and healthy.
2 cups diced apple: Yes, apple! It adds a lovely subtle sweetness that balances everything out. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
2 cups diced carrots: For a touch of sweetness and beautiful color.
2 cups diced sweet potatoes: These become wonderfully tender and add a creamy, sweet element.
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Our classic chili bean, adding fiber and a hearty texture.
5 cups diced tomatoes (canned): The backbone of any good chili, providing that rich tomato flavor.
3 tablespoons tomato paste: This little powerhouse deepens the tomato flavor and thickens our chili perfectly.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
1 teaspoon onion powder: A convenient way to add that essential savory onion note.
1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage: This is the star herb that makes this chili so unique and fragrant.
2 teaspoons chili powder: For that gentle warmth and classic chili spice.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness of the apple and sweet potatoes.
1 sprinkle nutmeg: Adds a warm, subtle depth that’s pure autumn magic.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: To taste, giving it a little kick.
2 teaspoons salt: Adjust to your preference – it really brings out all the flavors!

How to Make It

Ready to create some kitchen magic? Let’s get this deliciousness simmering!

Get your pot hot: Grab a large pot or a Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. We want it nice and warm, ready to get cooking!
Brown the turkey: Add your ground turkey to the hot pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’re looking for it to be nicely browned. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat.
Pile in the goodies: Now for the best part! Add the diced apple, carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Don’t be shy!
Stir it all together: Give everything a good stir, making sure all those wonderful ingredients are well combined. It’s starting to smell amazing already, isn’t it?
Let it simmer and meld: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling softly, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens – the sweet potatoes will become fork-tender, and all those flavors will get to know each other and become best friends.
Add the beans: Now, stir in your drained and rinsed kidney beans. Let them heat through for another 5-10 minutes, just until they’re nice and warm.
Serve and enjoy! Ladle your hot, comforting Apple Sage Turkey Chili into bowls. Take a moment to savor that incredible aroma before you dig in!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to play around and make it your own.

Different Beans: Black beans or cannellini beans would be fantastic swaps for kidney beans.
Veggies Galore: Feel free to add in diced bell peppers (any color!), corn, or even a can of diced green chilies for an extra little kick.
Spicier? If you like your chili with a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the other aromatics.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip the turkey and use an extra can of beans and some crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground “meat.” Make sure your spices are vegan-friendly, of course!

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to ensure your chili is absolutely perfect every time!

Don’t Rush the Simmer: That 30-minute simmer time is crucial for the flavors to really develop and the sweet potatoes to soften beautifully.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always give your chili a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A touch more pepper? Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your liking.
Prep Ahead: Chop all your veggies (apple, carrots, sweet potatoes) a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This makes weeknight assembly a breeze!
Broth Boost: If your chili seems a little too thick while simmering, you can always add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth (or even water) to reach your desired consistency.

How to Store It

Leftovers are the best kind of leftovers, right?

Once cooled, store your Apple Sage Turkey Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld! If you want to freeze portions, let the chili cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Got a burning question? We’ve got answers!

Can I use fresh sage instead of dried? Yes, you absolutely can! Use about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh, chopped sage for every 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried sage. Add it in the last 15 minutes of simmering for the freshest flavor.
What toppings go well with this chili? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lime, or even some crumbled cornbread are all fantastic choices.
Is this chili spicy? This recipe has a mild warmth from the chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Apple Sage Turkey Chili

Print Recipe

A cozy and comforting fall chili featuring lean ground turkey, sweet apples, earthy sage, and tender sweet potatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a thoughtful gift.

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Main ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 lbs ground lean turkey
2 cups diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully.)
2 cups diced carrots
2 cups diced sweet potatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
5 cups diced tomatoes (canned)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1.5 teaspoons dried sage
2 teaspoons chili powder
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 sprinkle nutmeg
0.5 teaspoon black pepper (To taste)
2 teaspoons salt (Adjust to your preference)

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Instructions

Grab a large pot or a Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add your ground turkey to the hot pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’re looking for it to be nicely browned. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat.
Add the diced apple, carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt to the pot.
Give everything a good stir, making sure all those wonderful ingredients are well combined.
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling softly, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes.
Now, stir in your drained and rinsed kidney beans. Let them heat through for another 5-10 minutes, just until they’re nice and warm.
Ladle your hot, comforting Apple Sage Turkey Chili into bowls. Take a moment to savor that incredible aroma before you dig in!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day. For freezing, cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers; will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat by thawing overnight and warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.