Walter's White Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky chili with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and a hint of cumin, served with cornbread muffins for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground turkey, (14 oz) diced tomatoes, (15 oz), drained kidney beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 1 finely chopped bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 can drained kidney beans, and 2 cups chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed. Serve hot with cornbread muffins.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Walter's White Chili take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Walter's White Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Walter's White Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Walter's White Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Walter's White Chili?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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