Ground Turkey Chili & Gluten-Free Cornbread

Introduction

Few meals are as cozy and satisfying as a hearty chili paired with warm, tender cornbread. This Ground Turkey Chili & Gluten-Free Cornbread combo is a comforting classic, crafted to deliver big flavor without the heaviness. The chili is packed with robust spices and lean turkey for a lighter take, while the gluten-free cornbread is perfectly moist and golden—making this duo the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners and casual gatherings alike.

The Flavorful Appeal of Ground Turkey Chili & Gluten-Free Cornbread

Ground turkey provides a wholesome, protein-rich base with less fat, allowing the chili’s signature blend of tomatoes, beans, and spices to shine through. The gluten-free cornbread uses high-quality cornmeal and a dash of honey for just the right balance—delicious for everyone at the table, whether gluten-free or not. The contrasting textures and harmonious flavors make this meal an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ground Turkey Chili: Hearty, Simple, and Satisfying

Start by sautéing onions, peppers, and garlic, then brown the ground turkey for rich depth. Stir in classic chili spices, canned tomatoes, and kidney beans—let the flavors simmer until perfectly melded. The result? A steaming, filling bowl of chili that warms from the inside out.

Gluten-Free Cornbread: The Perfect Sidekick

For the cornbread, blend cornmeal, gluten-free flour, and baking powder with milk, eggs, and honey. Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The cornbread comes out moist yet crumbly, with a hint of sweetness and crisp edges—ideal for sopping up your bowl of chili.

Serving Suggestions: Bringing It All Together

Serve a generous scoop of chili with a wedge of warm cornbread. Top with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For a party platter, cut cornbread into squares and let everyone serve themselves alongside customizable toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or lime wedges.

Nutritional Information & Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 hearty servings of chili and cornbread. One serving contains approximately 350–400 calories, with balanced protein, fiber, and healthy fats—especially great for those looking for nutrient-dense comfort food without gluten or excess calories.

The Crowd-Pleasing Comfort of Ground Turkey Chili & Gluten-Free Cornbread (Recap)

This dynamic duo brings together bold chili flavors and classic, gluten-free comfort. It’s the ideal meal for satisfying hungry mouths—simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and smooth meal planning.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chili: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Mix well.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. While chili simmers, make the cornbread: Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or similar dish.
6. In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, honey, and melted butter.
7. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
8. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
9. Let cornbread cool slightly before slicing. Serve alongside hot chili with your favorite toppings.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is tailor-made for meal prepping and batch cooking. Save and schedule this recipe to fit it into your week’s menu, instantly creating a consolidated shopping list for hassle-free grocery shopping.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all scheduled recipes
– Organizes your grocery list by store section (produce, dairy, pantry, etc.)
– Prevents overbuying and missed items, streamlining prep
– Makes weeknight cooking and storage a breeze—just reheat and serve

Pro tip: When planning a week’s worth of meals, schedule all your recipes to combine similar ingredients—saving time, money, and eliminating last-minute runs to the store.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Enjoy the hearty comfort of Ground Turkey Chili with Gluten-Free Cornbread—an easy, flavorful meal that’s a winner for weekday dinners, meal preppers, and gluten-free eaters alike!