Turkey chili doesn't have to taste flat - not when you layer it with the right spices and a few unexpected ingredients. This rich Turkey Chili recipe gets its depth from a touch of cocoa powder, a splash of amber ale, and a blend of warm, aromatic spices. It's still an easy, one-pot recipe - just richer, rounder, and more satisfying than the usual turkey version.

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Why This Turkey Chili Tastes So Rich and Flavorful
Turkey chili often gets a bad rap for tasting flat or too "clean," but this version proves it can be hearty, comforting, and full of depth. Imagine the aroma of onions, peppers, and warm spices simmering together, mingling with a splash of amber ale and a hint of cocoa. Every spoonful is rich and layered - a perfect bowl of chili to savor on a cozy weeknight.
What Makes This Turkey Chili Recipe Different
- Layers of spice: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of cinnamon build warmth.
- Cocoa powder: adds body and depth without making it sweet.
- Amber ale: adds a malty note that ties everything together.
Ingredients You'll Need
This chili gets its flavor from layers - not shortcuts. Each ingredient has a job to do, from the sautéed aromatics that build a savory base to the spice blend that adds warmth and dimension. The ground turkey stays tender in the broth and beer, while cocoa powder quietly deepens the flavor, giving the chili that slow-cooked richness without the extra fat.

Key Ingredients:
- Lean ground turkey: lean but hearty; use 85-93% for best texture.
- Fresh Veggies: Yellow onion, red bell pepper (or yellow, or orange), jalepeño.
- Chili powder: We use a mild chili powder to make this recipe. You can always heat something up with a little added chili sauce, but it's impossible to cool it off after the fact, and some folks just don't like their chili too spicy. If you use a hotter chili powder, you may not want to add the entire 3 tablespoons.
- Spices (and herbs): Measure - don't eyeball the spices! (Lesson learned.) An extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon can take this chili from perfect to "wait… why is there so much cinnamon in here?"
- Diced tomatoes: We use petite diced tomatoes with garlic and onions for just a little more flavor.
- Cocoa: The first half of the not-so-secret combo that makes this chili stand out.
- Amber Ale: The second half - and the key to this chili's depth. Amber ale adds a subtle maltiness and a rich, rounded flavor that complements the cocoa, spices, and turkey. This small addition makes a big difference in creating a chili that tastes slow-simmered and full-bodied.
- If you don't have amber ale on hand, you can substitute another malty beer such as a brown ale or Vienna lager.
- For a non-alcoholic option, try a combination of low-sodium chicken or beef broth with a splash of apple cider.
- In a pinch, a little extra broth and a couple of teaspoons of brown sugar will do the trick.
- Beans: I like using home-cooked small red beans in this chili - they hold their shape beautifully and have a nice, firm texture that stands up to long simmering. If you can't find them, navy beans or black beans make great substitutes. (We love this chili with a black beans and navy bean combo!)
- Food Safety: If you cook your own beans, be sure to always soak them first, and never cook them in a slow cooker. (Here's why.)
Tip: Baking soda is a game-changer in the kitchen! One of the many things it can do is soften beans and help them cook more evenly. Just add a little baking soda to the cooking water when preparing dried beans (about 1 teaspoon per cup of beans). You can also stir a small pinch (~¼ teaspoon) into the chili itself to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavor. Just go easy - a little goes a long way.
See recipe card for quantities.
Three Simple Steps to Rich Turkey Chili
Making this Rich Turkey Chili with Cocoa and Beer is easier than you think. In just three simple steps - sauté, simmer, and serve - you'll build deep, layered flavor with very little effort. Perfect for a cozy weeknight, this method gives you a hearty, flavorful chili every time.
1. Sauté
Combine the chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, oregano, pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon in a small dish. Set side.
Add a splash of oil to a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot and heat over medium high. Add onion, red pepper, and jalapeño and sauté about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add ground turkey and break up the meat. Cook until no longer pink.

Reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle in spice mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds to activate the spices.
Cook's Note: The spice balance in this chili has been carefully refined over many batches. For best results, measure precisely - even an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon can shift the flavor from warmly spiced to overpowering.

Stir in the tomatoes, beans, broth, beer, and tomato paste.
2. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until chili thickens.
Alternate Slow Cooker Directions: Transfer Mixture to a slow cooker and cook 3-4 hours on Low.
Taste, adjust seasonings as desired to suit your personal tastes, and simmer for 10 more minutes.
3. Serve

Serve with toppings on the side, as desired: avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, cotija, and/or chopped cilantro.
Storage & Reheating
This turkey chili keeps beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
When reheating, warm gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or beer if it's thickened too much - the flavors will taste even richer than the first day!
What to Serve With Turkey Chili
Pair turkey chili with simple, comforting sides. We most often serve it with a square of homemade cornbread and a spread of fresh toppings on the side.
Baked potatoes or a crisp green salad also complement those rich, layered chili flavors. For an extra cozy meal, serve with a grilled cheese or warm tortillas - perfect for soaking up every last bite.

Chili Topping Ideas (optional):
- Avocado
- Lime wedges
- Cotija cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
More Chili Recipes
Can't get enough chili? Try these favorites, each with its own twist to suit any craving:
Calypso Mango Chili - Sweet, spicy, and award-winning - this tropical twist on classic chili is bright, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili - Creamy, comforting, and hands-off, this slow cooker version is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Classic Cincinnati Chili - Rich, savory, and layered with signature spices, this Midwestern favorite is hearty and full of depth.
Old-Fashioned Chili Mac - Nostalgic and hearty, this combination of chili and pasta is ultimate comfort food in a bowl.


Rich Turkey Chili with Cocoa and Beer
Equipment
- 1 cast iron Dutch oven
- 1 Slow Cooker optional
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground turkey
Veggies & Aromatics
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion about 2 medium or 1 large onion
- 1 whole red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 whole jalapeño seeded and finely chopped*
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Herbs & Spices
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
- 1½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¾ teaspoon cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
Everything Else
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 28 ounces petite diced tomatoes 2 cans, undrained
- 3 cups cooked small red beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup amber ale (i.e., red ale); see Notes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-3 teaspoons brown sugar optional; for sweeter chili
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, oregano, pepper,salt, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Sauté onion, red pepper, and jalapeño in oil until soft.Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Sprinkle in the spice blend and stir briefly to bloom the flavors.
- Stir in tomatoes, beans, broth, beer, and tomato paste.
- Simmer uncovered on low for 45-60 minutes, until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. (For a sweeter chili, add brown sugar at this time.)Serve with toppings like avocado, lime, cotija, sour cream, tortilla chips, or cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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