"Deliciously Hearty Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe: Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers into a Comforting Meal"

#### Leftover Turkey Chili RecipeIf you find yourself with an abundance of turkey after Thanksgiving, don’t let it go to waste! This **leftover turkey chili……

#### Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

If you find yourself with an abundance of turkey after Thanksgiving, don’t let it go to waste! This **leftover turkey chili recipe** is the perfect solution to transform your festive feast into a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family will love. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this chili is not only a great way to use up leftover turkey but also a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly days.

#### Ingredients You'll Need

To make this **leftover turkey chili recipe**, gather the following ingredients:

- 2 cups of shredded leftover turkey

- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

- 2 tablespoons of chili powder

- 1 teaspoon of cumin

- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Olive oil for sautéing

- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. **Add the Spices**: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes.

3. **Incorporate the Turkey and Beans**: Add the shredded leftover turkey to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Then, add the kidney beans, black beans, and crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together until well mixed.

4. **Simmer the Chili**: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken. If you have time, simmer for up to an hour for even better flavor.

5. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning**: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more chili powder for heat or more salt if necessary.

6. **Serve and Enjoy**: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

#### Why This Chili is a Must-Try

This **leftover turkey chili recipe** is not just a practical way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers; it’s also a dish that brings warmth and comfort. The combination of spices creates a rich and hearty flavor profile, making it a perfect meal for cold weather. Plus, it’s versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as corn or zucchini, or even some heat with jalapeños.

Not only is this chili delicious, but it’s also nutritious. Turkey is a lean protein, and the beans add fiber, making this dish satisfying and healthy. It’s a meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, and it’s easy to make in large batches, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

In conclusion, if you have leftover turkey from your holiday feast, don’t hesitate to try this **leftover turkey chili recipe**. It’s a delightful way to create a new family favorite while minimizing food waste. Enjoy the flavors of the season in a bowl of comforting chili that everyone will love!