Transform Thanksgiving Leftovers Into a Delicious New Tradition

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and it’s time to bring on the turkey! After Thanksgiving dinner I feel like I’m left with enough leftover turkey to last for weeks. While you can never go wrong with a classic turkey sandwich, I love finding different ways to repurpose our leftovers. With that being said, allow me to introduce one of my favorites… an easy and delicious Turkey Chili Recipe. This blend of savory notes and a hint of spice creates a bowl of comfort that’s absolutely irresistible.
This Turkey Chili recipe is the perfect way to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers. The turkey blends beautifully with the beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, giving you a satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly fall nights. Plus, it’s so easy to make in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
If you’re feeling extra festive, top your turkey chili with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a few fresh cilantro leaves. You can even add a side of cornbread to make it a full meal! The best part? This turkey chili recipe is just as tasty (if not better) the next day, so it’s great for an easy lunch throughout the week. It’s a delicious, cozy way to keep the holiday spirit alive long after the big meal has ended! I hope you love this festive take on a family favorite. I’m wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving filled with delicious food and cherished memories!
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Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups leftover turkey, skinned and boned, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. Kosher salt
Toppings:
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in turkey, beans and remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer on low, approximately 45 minutes or until hot.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- I like to prepare in my Dutch Oven, however a slow cooker is a great alternative cooking method. Although, the recipe suggests cooking for 45 minutes, I like to cook longer as the secret is in the simmer.
- Canned beans can become overcooked and mushy so add the last 30 minutes of cooking time if preparing in a slow cooker.
- This recipe freezes beautifully, up to three months. I love using these containers.



