Turkey Hominy Chili Recipe

Turkey Chili with Hominy is an easy, hearty, and flavorful weeknight dinner that brings together ground turkey, onions, garlic, warming spices, tender hominy, and a rich broth. It is the kind of comfort food that tastes like it simmered for hours, yet it can be ready in under 45 minutes. This simple turkey chili recipe is satisfying enough for a main course and easy enough for a busy evening.

If you are looking for a lighter chili made with ground turkey instead of beef, this recipe is a great option. The ancho chile powder, cumin, and chipotle powder give the chili a deep, smoky flavor, while the hominy adds a pleasantly chewy texture and mild corn flavor. Finished with shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla chips, every bowl is warm, cozy, and full of flavor.

What is Hominy?

Hominy is a traditional ingredient made from dried corn kernels that have been treated through a process called nixtamalization. During this process, the corn is soaked in an alkaline solution, usually limewater, which causes the kernels to swell and changes their texture. This gives hominy its distinctive bite and mild, slightly earthy corn flavor.

Ground hominy is also used to make masa, the dough used for corn tortillas. Whole hominy can be purchased dried, much like dried beans, or canned for convenience. For this turkey chili with hominy recipe, canned hominy is used because it is quick, easy, and ready to add directly to the pot after draining and rinsing.

The flavor of hominy is often compared to grits, but the texture is firmer and more substantial. It works especially well in soups, stews, and chili because it holds its shape while soaking up the surrounding flavors. If you are new to hominy, this chili is a delicious way to try it.

If hominy is not your favorite or you do not have it on hand, you can substitute canned beans. Chickpeas are a good choice because they have a firm texture and mild flavor that works nicely with the turkey and spices.

Turkey Chili with Hominy

This Turkey Chili with Hominy is inspired by a turkey chili soup recipe, but the result is hearty enough to simply call it chili. It has the warmth and depth you expect from chili, with a lighter feel thanks to the ground turkey. The recipe is straightforward: cook the aromatics, brown the turkey with spices, stir in flour and tomato paste, then simmer everything with stock and hominy until the flavors come together.

Ground turkey is a practical choice for chili because it cooks quickly and takes on seasoning very well. The combination of ancho chile powder, cumin, and chipotle powder gives the dish a smoky, gently spicy base without making it overly complicated. Tomato paste adds richness, while a small amount of flour helps give the broth more body.

This recipe is also easy to customize when serving. Set out bowls of shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla chips so everyone can garnish their chili the way they like it. The cheese melts into the hot chili, the sour cream adds creaminess, the cilantro brings freshness, and the tortilla chips add crunch.

Why You Will Love This Easy Turkey Chili

This homemade turkey chili is ideal for weeknights because it uses simple ingredients and does not require a long simmer. Most of the flavor comes from pantry spices, tomato paste, stock, and the natural richness of the turkey. The hominy makes it feel a little different from a classic bean chili, while still keeping the dish familiar and comforting.

It is also a flexible recipe. You can keep it mild or increase the chipotle powder if you prefer more heat. You can serve it as a thick chili in bowls or add a little extra stock if you prefer a soupier consistency. Leftovers, if you have them, reheat well and make a convenient lunch the next day.

Turkey Chili with Hominy

A quick and comforting ground turkey chili with hominy, smoky spices, tomato paste, and savory stock. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Course
Main Course

Cuisine
American

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Servings
4

Calories
442 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 ½ tablespoons ancho chile powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon chipotle powder
salt, to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cups low sodium beef stock
15 ounce canned hominy, drained and rinsed
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped cilantro
½ cup sour cream
tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and softened.
Add the ground turkey, ancho chile powder, cumin, and chipotle powder. Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the turkey is lightly browned.
Stir in the flour until it coats the turkey mixture, then add the tomato paste and stir until evenly combined.
Pour in the beef stock and add the drained and rinsed hominy. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken slightly and the flavors to blend. Taste and season with salt as needed.
Ladle the turkey chili with hominy into bowls. Serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla chips for garnish.

Notes

If you prefer not to use hominy, substitute canned beans or chickpeas. For a thinner chili, add a little more stock while simmering. For a smokier or spicier flavor, increase the chipotle powder slightly.

Nutrition