Got leftover turkey? Make a batch of hearty and flavorful chili.

Thanksgiving recipes are everywhere. In magazines, on TV, online… Don’t you think it’s a little overkill? After all, Thanksgiving is just one meal.

This year, I’m taking a different approach. A money-saving one, because that’s just how I roll.

Two words: Thanksgiving leftovers.

One of the most bang-for-your-buck tips to save money on food is to make use of leftovers.

And what better time to do this than Thanksgiving, when your fridge is filled with overwhelming amounts of leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and the such?

First up, turkey chili.

About The Recipe: Chili Made With Leftover Turkey

This is my go-to chili recipe. It’s hearty, healthy, spicy, and slightly sweet. If it’s not Thanksgiving time and you don’t have leftover turkey to use up, simply sub ground turkey, ground beef or make this vegetarian. If you’re using ground turkey or beef, start out by browning the onions and meat and adding the rest of the ingredients.

Toppings: I love topping my chili with all sorts of delicious toppings, including sour cream, corn chips, and chopped green onion.

Get 80+ creative soup topping ideas

But Wait… There’s More!

Here are some other Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving leftover recipe ideas:

• Turkey-cranberry wontons
• Turkey lettuce wraps with peanut sauce
• Turkey mole bowls
• Amazing leftover turkey salad
• Cranberry salsa
• Turkey nachos with cranberry salsa (use 2 of your Thanksgiving leftovers!)
• My favorite stuffing recipe of all time
• Paleo stuffing
• 8 Mashed potato hacks
• Thanksgiving croquettes with mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing
• Leftover turkey empanadas
• Turkey chili
• Mashed potato bar (with lots of toppings!)
• Leftover pie crust cookies
• Other Thanksgiving leftover ideas

Continue to Content

Leftover Turkey Chili

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

As always, feel free to play around with the amounts of spices in this recipe. If you have leftover chili, use it to top baked potatoes, huevos rancheros or chili dogs, or freeze it for future use.

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Ingredients

For chili

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 can chicken broth (or 2 cups chicken stock or chicken broth made with bouillon)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Chili toppings

• Chopped scallions
• Sour cream
• Corn chips
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Other chili toppings

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, saute onions in olive oil until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so. Add jalapeno, chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, and turkey. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, spices, and hot sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to come together.
2. Serve chili with your choice of toppings.

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