Description
This Chipotle Red Rescue recipe transforms leftover holiday turkey into a rich, smoky, and comforting chili. It’s a hearty and easy family-friendly meal perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 x 15 oz cans beans (kidney, black, or pinto), rinsed and drained
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1-2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build Spice Base: Add chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until deeply aromatic. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce until well combined.
- Combine And Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and rinsed beans. Stir well. Add the cooked turkey. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the chili into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy.
Notes
Store leftover turkey chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for meal prep. Don’t simmer for less than 20 minutes to ensure full flavor development. Always taste before adding extra salt, as canned goods and broth contribute sodium. Adjust chipotle peppers to your preferred spice level, starting with less and adding more if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 350 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: leftover turkey, chili, chipotle, easy dinner, family meal, hearty, meal prep, comfort food, weeknight, tomato