Apple Sage Turkey Chili | Gluten-free, Dairy-free, & Grain-free

A Short Story About the Recipe

I have always loved the comfort that a warm bowl of chili brings, especially during cooler days when you want something hearty yet light. This Apple Sage Turkey Chili was born out of my desire to create a recipe that feels cozy but uses lighter ingredients. Instead of traditional beef, I use ground turkey, which makes this dish leaner and just as flavorful. The addition of sweet apples was a happy accident – I once had extra apples sitting on my counter and decided to add them to my pot of simmering chili. To my surprise, the result was incredible. The apples softened beautifully, adding a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory flavors of the turkey and spices. The sage ties everything together with its earthy aroma, giving the chili a touch of fall-inspired warmth.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of those dishes that will quickly become a household favorite. The flavors are layered and comforting without being heavy. It is a one-pot wonder that brings together sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes in a perfect balance. Whether you are cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this chili is satisfying and nourishing.

Versatile

Apple Sage Turkey Chili is surprisingly versatile. You can make it spicy by adding chili flakes or jalapeños or keep it mild for kids and those who prefer a gentle heat. It can be served as is in a bowl, over rice for a heartier meal, or even spooned onto baked potatoes for a creative twist. If you like, you can garnish it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs, depending on your taste preferences.

Affordable

One of the best parts about this recipe is how budget-friendly it is. Ground turkey is often more affordable than beef, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples like beans, onions, tomatoes, and spices. The apples add a touch of sweetness without needing any fancy ingredients.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped)

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

1. Prepare Your Ingredients
   Begin by peeling and dicing the apples, then dice the onion and mince the garlic. Make sure the apples are cut into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly, which helps reduce excess starch and improves texture.

2. Cook the Turkey
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink and starts to brown lightly. This step locks in flavor and creates a savory base for the chili.

3. Sauté the Aromatics
   Add the diced onions to the turkey and cook for 4–5 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Using frequent stirring ensures the garlic doesn’t burn and become bitter.

4. Add Spices and Sage
   Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and dried sage. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices and release their natural aromas. This step deepens the flavor profile and helps the seasoning blend with the turkey.

5. Incorporate Apples and Tomatoes
   Add the diced apples and canned tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir well so the apples and tomatoes are evenly distributed. The apples will soften as the chili simmers, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.

6. Add Beans and Broth
   Gently stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

7. Simmer the Chili
   Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the chili simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken slightly.

8. Taste and Adjust
   After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, or extra spices if needed. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes.

9. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve your Apple Sage Turkey Chili hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Quick and Easy

Despite its complex flavor, this chili is surprisingly quick to make. With prep and cooking time combined, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal ready in just over an hour. Most steps involve simple chopping and stirring, making it approachable even for beginner cooks.

Customizable

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute the beans with chickpeas or white beans, add bell peppers for extra texture, or increase the apple quantity for more sweetness. For a spicier version, include fresh jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or a dash of cayenne.

Popular with Many People

This chili appeals to a wide audience because it balances savory, sweet, and earthy flavors. The turkey makes it lighter than traditional beef chili, while the apples and sage give it a unique, memorable twist. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Apple Sage Turkey Chili | Gluten-free, Dairy-free, & Grain-free

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This Apple Sage Turkey Chili is a comforting, hearty dish with a unique twist. Ground turkey keeps it light, while apples and sage add subtle sweetness and earthy aroma. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, it is flavorful, versatile, and family-friendly.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 45
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Peel and dice apples, dice onion, mince garlic, drain and rinse beans.
2. Cook Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add onions and cook 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Add Spices and Sage: Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and sage. Stir for 1–2 minutes to toast spices.
5. Add Apples and Tomatoes: Mix in diced apples and canned tomatoes with juice. Stir evenly.
6. Add Beans and Broth: Gently stir in kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
7. Simmer Chili: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Simmer uncovered 5–10 minutes if thicker chili is desired.
9. Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

Apples add natural sweetness; replace with pears if desired.

Fresh sage enhances flavor but dried works well.

Adjust spice level with jalapeños, chili flakes, or cayenne.

This chili can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.

2. Can I use fresh sage instead of dried?
Absolutely. If using fresh sage, chop it finely and add about 1 tablespoon. Add it during the spice step for maximum flavor infusion.

3. Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes, you can add fresh jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust gradually and taste as you go to achieve your preferred heat level.

4. What can I serve with this chili?
This chili pairs well with rice, baked potatoes, cornbread, or crusty bread. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground turkey with plant-based protein or extra beans. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to maintain heartiness.

6. How thick should the chili be?
The chili should be thick but not dry. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

7. Are the apples necessary?
The apples add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices and turkey. If you prefer, you can replace them with pears or leave them out, though the flavor profile will change slightly.