Best 5-Bean Chili Recipe
Introduction
This Best 5-Bean Chili is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with a blend of beans, spices, and ground turkey, it offers a comforting and nutritious dinner that’s easy to make.

Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded & diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 Tbsp. chili powder
- 2 Tbsp. cumin
- 2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. ground pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
- 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can great northern beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add green pepper, onion, jalapeno, garlic, chili powder, cumin, Old Bay Seasoning, kosher salt, oregano, and ground pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Add ground turkey to the pot and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is cooked through and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), black beans, kidney beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, let the chili simmer longer on low heat to allow the spices to meld.
- Swap ground turkey with ground beef or chicken for a different taste.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, leave the jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Try adding a diced carrot or celery for additional texture and nutrition.
- Use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to control salt levels.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months—allow it to cool completely before freezing.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground turkey and add extra beans or vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili pairs well with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese also complements it nicely.
Print
Best 5-Bean Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Best 5-Bean Chili combines ground turkey with a flavorful mix of five different beans and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting and protein-packed meal, this chili is simmered on the stovetop until all the flavors meld together beautifully. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a delicious and nutritious dish ideal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded & diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
Beans
- 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can great northern beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed
Spices & Seasonings
- 5 Tbsp. chili powder
- 2 Tbsp. cumin
- 2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. ground pepper
Other
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, not drained
- 2 1/2 cups water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced green pepper, onion, jalapeno peppers, minced garlic, and all the seasonings (chili powder, cumin, Old Bay, kosher salt, dried oregano, and ground pepper). Cook and stir the mixture until the vegetables soften and the spices become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey to the pot and increase heat to medium-high. Stir and cook the turkey until it is browned and cooked through with no pink remaining, about 8-10 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks for even browning.
- Add tomatoes, beans, and water: Pour in the two cans of diced tomatoes with their juices, all five types of drained and rinsed beans (black, kidney, great northern, pinto, and garbanzo), and 2 1/2 cups of water. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the chili: Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. This will let the flavors meld and the chili thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and serve: Once heated through and flavorful, remove the chili from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Enjoy your hearty and wholesome 5-bean chili!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, do not remove jalapeno seeds or add extra chili powder.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground beef or vegetarian crumbles for different dietary preferences.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the water slightly or simmer longer.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: 5-bean chili, ground turkey chili, healthy chili recipe, stovetop chili, bean chili, high protein chili

