Bacon & Maple Turkey Chili

Warm, comforting meals often bring a smile, and what’s better than a bowl of Easy Bacon & Maple Turkey Chili? This chili is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. With the perfect blend of smoky bacon, lean turkey, and a hint of maple syrup, it’s a dish that appeals to everyone. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your home as you cook—the promise of a delicious dinner awaits you.

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What I love about this recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak the spices to suit your preferences or add your favorite toppings. Plus, leftovers are even better the next day! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this chili is easy to whip up. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

The unique combination of bacon, turkey, and maple syrup creates a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. Each ingredient plays its part beautifully. The bacon provides that rich, smoky kick, while the maple syrup adds an unexpected sweetness that balances the dish. Cooking with fresh vegetables and a variety of spices only enhances the richness, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.

This recipe is structured for easy preparation and cooking. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, any home cook will find it manageable. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to achieve that deep satisfaction in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bacon & Maple Turkey Chili

This Easy Bacon & Maple Turkey Chili is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings. Imagine wrapping your hands around a warm bowl, feeling the cozy vibes wash over you. Not only is it filling, but it also brings a burst of warmth and flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Its flexibility is a major highlight. You can adjust the spice levels, add your favorite toppings, or modify the recipe to cater to various tastes. That’s what makes it a crowd-pleaser. Also, let’s not forget that the leftovers taste even better, making this dish ideal for meal prepping. What’s more comforting than knowing you’ll enjoy it again later?

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Easy Bacon & Maple Turkey Chili:

• 1 lb smoked bacon, diced & divided
• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn (about 2 corn cobs)
• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 large canned, fire-roasted bell peppers, diced
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 28 oz canned whole tomatoes, crushed
• 28 oz canned beans, drained (cannellini, black, or kidney)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup 100% pure maple syrup from Canada
• 3 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup from Canada (for maple bacon bits)
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 to 2 lemons (adjust to taste)

Preparing the Bacon & Turkey

Start by preheating a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in half of the diced bacon (1/2 pound) and fry it until it turns golden and crispy. It’s a sight worth enjoying! After that, remove the bacon bits from the pot but leave the bacon fat behind because we’ll need that flavor. Next, fry the ground turkey in batches, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper until it’s well browned. Once done, take the browned turkey and set it aside.

Making the Chili

In the same pot, add the butter, diced onion, and corn. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 7 to 9 minutes. You’ll smell the deliciousness coming together! Then, stir in the minced garlic, diced peppers, and all seasonings: salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and basil. Give it a minute to cook before adding crushed tomatoes, drained beans, and chicken broth. Finally, return the browned turkey and crispy bacon to the pot, and mix in ½ cup of maple syrup for that sweet edge.

Cooking Instructions

Now, cover the pot and bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat and let it cook on low for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring every 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can also transfer everything to a slow cooker and set it on ‘high’ for around 6 hours.

Maple Bacon Bits

While the chili is cooking, let’s prepare those irresistible maple bacon bits. In a medium frying pan, cook the remaining diced bacon until it gets golden and almost crispy. Pour in a few tablespoons of maple syrup and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the syrup to coat the bacon. Transfer these tasty bits to a separate bowl for later topping.

Serving Suggestions

Once the chili reaches that magical point of flavor, stir in chopped cilantro and green onions. Adjust the sweetness by squeezing in lemon juice according to your taste. Serve it hot, topped with the maple bacon bits along with sour cream, grated cheese, sliced peppers, or your favorite chili toppings. The color and texture will make the dish even more inviting.

Tips for Success

To ensure success, it’s important to sauté the vegetables until they are soft. This builds a flavorful base for your chili. Also, don’t rush the simmering process! Allowing the chili to cook slowly enhances its overall flavor greatly. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different beans or vegetables based on your preferences.

Variations

Love customizing your meals? You can swap ground turkey for ground beef or even try plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor. If you like it spicy, add more heat with jalapeños or hot sauce. Want to keep it vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon and turkey, adding more beans and vegetables instead. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Tips

For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’ve made a big batch, you can freeze chili for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You’ll appreciate having that delicious meal ready to enjoy any time!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bacon instead of smoked?
Yes, using regular bacon works; just note it will differ in flavor.

2. How can I adjust the sweetness of the chili?
You can add more or less maple syrup and balance it with lemon juice.

3. Is this chili spicy?
It has a mild heat; adjust the chipotle chili powder to suit your spice preference.

4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Of course! Just follow the instructions and cook on ‘high’ for about 6 hours.

5. What toppings do you recommend?
Top with sour cream, cilantro, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips for a delicious twist!

This Easy Bacon & Maple Turkey Chili delivers warm, hearty flavors wrapped in a simple recipe. The interplay between sweet maple, savory bacon, and grounded turkey, combined with fresh corn and spices, creates a memorable dish that’s perfect for any cozy night. Gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy—it’s a meal that warms both hearts and bellies.

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