Delicious Turkey Chili with Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese. Rich, meaty and bursting with flavor. One of my go-to dinners that the entire family loves!
The other day, we went to my friend, Rina’s surprise birthday party. She was totally surprised so everything went great. Usually when we get together, my girls are the only kids but there were a few other kids that day so my kids got to make some new friends and were playing with the other girls within minutes.
The kids had a few balls and were sitting in the grass in a circle, tossing the balls to each other. I looked over and smiled. . not only because they were getting along great but because they were playing. Outside. In the fresh air. In the grass. Without any iPads or devices around. And on Monday, my kids were outside for a couple of hours exploring and catching lady bugs in a mason jar. . with no lid of course, and feeding the lady bugs cilantro.
This is what it should be about.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the iPad time will most definitely come and it does help out from time to time. And there are tons of educational apps out there now. . so your kid isn’t just glued to the iPad watching a show or something.
But this is my hope for them for this summer. That they explore. Get outside, get dirty and just enjoy being kids.
And now that we live in the beautiful state of Wisconsin, we’re in the perfect place to go . . . CAMPING!! Yup, we’re planning a camping trip! I might be more excited about planning the menu more than pitching a tent, but it’s all good right?
You guys. . this chili. This CHILI!!! I like to go a little heavy on the chili powder and spices and although, my kids need a big glass of water, they eat it too. As long as it’s packed with ground beef or ground turkey, they eat it. I don’t know what it is about the meatiness but they eat all the meat first.
This chili is super easy to make and re-heats well.
Now, this chili wouldn’t be fabulous without something buttery and creamy to go on top. And this 
You guys. This cheese. A-ma-zing!! So good, so creamy, so dreamy and absolutely perfect with this chili! Wisconsin Farmer’s cheese has a similar taste and texture to Havarti cheese, which I LOVE. Pile it on and enjoy!! You guys seriously need to find this cheese and try it!
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Turkey Chili with Wisconsin Farmer's Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 to 3 carrots; peeled and chopped
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- ½ yellow or orange bell pepper diced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes; optional
- ½ to 1 lb. ground turkey
- 2 cans 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can 15 ounces kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can 15 ounces garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup water
- 5 to 8 oz. Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese shredded
- fresh green onions diced for garnish
Instructions
- In Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies begin to get tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the ground turkey and mix and let cook until cooked completely.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beans and water. Let simmer until slightly thickened, for at least 30 to 35 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Remove from heat. Serve with shredded Wisconsin farmer’s cheese and diced green onions.
- If packing for a camping trip, remove from stove, cool completely and pack in airtight container. When ready to reheat, pour turkey chili into cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over fire (or use a mini burner or portable butane stove) until heated through. Top with shredded Wisconsin farmer’s cheese and diced green onions.
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Wisconsin Cheese. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting me in partnering with the brands that I use and love.
Camping sounds like so much fun! I’m on vacation now with my family and it’s been mostly fun, except for kids getting up at 4 AM and thinking it’s showtime. You will fare much better, I’m sure!
And if this cheese tastes anything like havarti, I’m in! Such creamy goodness!
Enjoy you non-digital playtime!
Thank you so much, Mir!!! 4am?!!!! Are you kidding me?!!!! hang in there momma!!!!
Heavy on the spices is soooo the way to go! Love how this looks in the skillet and that cheese looks so lovely and fresh 🙂
thank you so much, Medha!!! yeah I was a little surprised but my kids gobbled this up! I was waiting for “this chili is too spicy!” but instead, I just got . . “I need water!” but no complaining and empty bowls! 🙂
Have fun camping, Alice!! My oldest sister does a GREAT job at making taking her kids out to the park on the weekends to have a family day. They’ll bike, skateboard…whatever, and I think they’ve become more well-rounded because of that. Anyway, LOVE your chili!
Thank you Lisa!!! your sister sounds awesome!!! she’s doing it right!!!
I love the story about the kids! That’s my hope and plan for our little one as well.. that he will have have limited time with screens and be made to spend his time outside as much as possible! That’s what we did when we were little, right?! Although even my husband is super addicted to his devices so I know it will be a challenge and a balance (and it sounds like you’ve found it!). This chili looks soooo good, and I am jealous of your camping! I always want to go but we somehow never do 🙁
Cheryl, balance is key! and I’ll be the first one to tell you . . it’s hard too!!! There are definitely days where they get more screen time than they should but yeah, gotta balance it all out. . can’t wait to hear your stories with your little peanut! 🙂 thank you!!!
Oh man, I want to dive right into this skillet. Looks amazing. And that pile of cheese on top – gotta have it. Also, I had no idea ladybugs were cilantro lovers. Ha ha! Have a great weekend, Alice!
haha, I know right?!!! We have some cilantro growing and I could hear Madeline telling Phoebe, “lady bugs love cilantro .. see!!!” as they were dropping in pieces of cilantro into the mason jar! 😛 so cute!
I feel the same way about summer and kids, and I love that mine play all day in the sunshine with other kids at day camp. Then on the weekends me and my hubby are out on the patio, with the music on, and they’re running around the backyard. It’s awesome and I hope they someday have happy memories of it all. This chili looks fantastic, especially with all that incredible cheese! And I love the props you’ve used too! Clicking over now to check out the recipe 😉
Thank you so much, Allie!!!! I take that as a huge compliment coming from YOU! and yes, that is what summer is about. I think about that too. . what the kids will remember when they are older . . and all the memories. . taking one day at a time. . 🙂 have a great weekend with the fam, Allie!
Have fun camping Allice! Love the story! This chili looks so delicious! Love the addition of cheese! Pinning!
Thanks so much Mira!!! The cheese makes this dish!
This looks so fantastic, and that cheese looks like wonderful quality. I wish I was at the surprise party for Rina! I bet it was wonderful.
Thanks so much, J!!! the cheese is seriously magical and dreamy and creamy . . SO GOOD!!! in fact, Rina was just over yesterday eating some and I had to sit and watch her eat it!!!! 🙁 no cheese for me for 20 more days!
I love surprise parties. And camping. And cheese. And ESPECIALLY this chili! This is perfect to devour while taking in nature and the outdoors! I’d love a big ‘ole vat of this right about now! Cheers and happy Friday!! ♡
Thanks so much Cheyanne!!! yes, I do love nature too and the outdoors!!! I’m excited!
This is SO my kind of chili! Especially with that pile of cheesy goodness on top..HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG?! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Taylor! This cheese is seriously SO GOOD!!!!
Love chilli – one of the most comforting foods! This looks like the perfect camping meal! 😀
Thank you so much, Jess!!! the cheese makes this chili!
I would be more focused on the food side of camping too!! This chili is just amazing! I need it in my life. And I am so glad to hear the girls are having a great start to their summer. being able to just enjoy being kids is all it’s about!
Thank you, Z!!! 🙂 yeah, I’m so excited about the food! 😛
PREACH! I often get nervous about my future kids growing up surrounded by so much technology. I want them to explore, to be out in nature, to feed ladybugs cilantro for goodness’ sake! I’m glad we’re on the same page 🙂
My family hails from outside of Milwaukee so I definitely know that many Wisconsin-ers love their camping and their water parts. But Wisconsin cheese is definitely the best. I love their cheese curds (especially when they are fried)! Cheese curds would also be really tasty on this beautiful chili!
Wow this chili looks amazing, Alice! I’ve never had turkey chili before, so I’m loving this! And I could eat chili year round too…there’s just something about the spices! Pinned!
Nothing I want more tonight than a big ol’ bowl of this chili!
Planning menus for camping trips is my favorite part too! This is a must-have for sure! Pinned!
My girl is outside pretty much all day long and I just love it! It’s so good for them to get some fresh air. This chili looks to die for! Perfect for the chilly day we’re having here today. Pinned!
Yay for camping and spending more time outdoors. We’ve been doing the same & just got back from our daily park visit and trying to soak in as much of the outdoors since our winters are so so cold. This turkey chili looks so amazing, Alice! I haven’t had lunch yet and all those yummy spices and red chili flakes would definitely hit the spot! Love all that cheese! Heading over for the rest of the recipe! Happy Friday!:)
Ha ha, I’m with you about planning the food being more fun than pitching a tent. Hope you and your family have a blast camping. And I’ll see you next Friday—-hooray!!! xoxo
We go camping every year – one of my friends has a trailer that pops up. So, no tent, but it ain’t the Four Seasons, either! Ha. It’s super fun for the kiddos. Also? I love that you posted chili in June. Food has no rules!!
This looks delicious!!!
I love this recipe!!! I could enjoy a comforting bowl of chili any time of year.
Thanks & Happy Sunday, Alice 🙂
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I’m not a huge camper, but I love this turkey chili, Alice! I’ll let you handle the tent and the campfire, and I’ll just handle eating chili. Sound like a deal? Oh, and I can make a mean s’more. I’ll handle dessert…and by handle, I mean I’ll eat it all. 🙂
Wow!!! This looks so amazing, seriously mouthwateringly delicious. Chilli is my all time favourite meal, and yours looks incredible! The added sprinkle of cheese on top sounds like the perfect final touch, I love it!
Camping is allllll about the food. So so fun! PS. Can’t wait to see you Friday!
I love turkey chili all year round — I never get tired of it, and I’ll just crank the A/C in the summer time! haha This looks delicious with all that grated cheese on top!
I love that you are encouraging your kids to get out and explore! But I also love that you give them time to learn the electronics and use the learning apps on the iPad. That’s awesome, Alice! As is this chili. Because a big ol’ bowl of heart chili topped with cheese is one of the best things ever!
That’s one tasty looking chili and I’m liking all of that cheese on top!