If you’re hunting for a comforting bowl that’s packed with flavor and a nice little kick, you’ve got to try this Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe. I absolutely love how this chili blends hearty turkey sausage with the earthy goodness of kale and the warmth of chili spices. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for any season, easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for a casual get-together. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through everything, including my favorite tips to make it foolproof.

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: The spicy turkey sausage and chili powder create a chili that’s warming and packed with layers of taste.
Nutritious Ingredients: Tuscan kale adds a wonderful texture plus a big boost of vitamins and minerals.
Simple Prep: Made all in one pot with pantry staples and fresh veggies, easy for busy cooks.
Versatile and Filling: Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and can be customized with what you have on hand.

Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe comes down to a balance of spicy, savory, and fresh elements. The sausage brings bold, meaty flavor while kale softens up to a tender bite that complements the beans and tomatoes beautifully. Here’s what you’ll want to look out for when gathering your ingredients.

Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe - Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil: Use good quality – it adds a subtle fruitiness when sautéing the sausage and veggies.
Ground spicy turkey sausage: This is the star protein; the spice here shapes the chili’s heat and depth.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked down slowly.
Red bell pepper: Brings freshness and a slight crunch, balancing out the chili’s heat.
Garlic: Fresh garlic punches up the flavor wonderfully more than pre-minced.
Chili powder: Essential for authentic chili flavor and warmth.
Cayenne pepper: Adjust to your heat preference but don’t skip—it delivers the fiery kick.
Dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbaceous note that rounds out the spices.
Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor, so season thoughtfully as you cook.
Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato intensity and thickens the chili.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid that adds moisture and depth without overpowering.
Cannellini beans: They give the chili creamy texture and hearty protein.
Diced tomatoes: Bring juicy acidity and color.
Tuscan kale: I like stem-free leaves torn into bite-size pieces for the best mouthfeel.
Sour cream (optional): A cooling topping that balances the spiciness perfectly.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this chili depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Feel free to play around with proteins, greens, or spice levels to make this your own cozy favorite.

Swap the sausage: I sometimes use ground chicken or turkey—just add extra chili powder to boost the flavor.
Leafy greens: Tried spinach or Swiss chard? They work great if you don’t have kale, just add them last like kale.
Mild version: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños separately so everyone can tailor their heat.
Beans variety: Pinto or black beans make nice alternatives, giving you a different texture and taste.

How to Make Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the sausage and soften the aromatics

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground spicy turkey sausage—break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. You’ll want to give it a few good stirs so it browns evenly without steaming. Add in the finely chopped onion, red pepper, garlic, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Stir everything together and cook until the veggies soften and the spices get fragrant, roughly 6 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture starts smelling incredible, and that’s your cue to move on.

Step 2: Build the chili base and simmer

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute until it darkens slightly—that step adds a subtle smoky depth that I’ve come to love. Then pour in the chicken broth, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes. Bring it all up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low so it simmers gently. Now add the kale, season again with salt to taste (remember, the flavor deepens as it simmers). Let it bubble away uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick and thickens nicely. The kale will soften and blend right into the chili for a hearty texture you’ll want to dive into.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe

Browning for Flavor: Don’t rush browning the sausage—it deepens flavor and adds texture.
Layer Your Spices: Add chili powder and cayenne early so their flavors bloom and meld perfectly.
Stir Occasionally: Keeping an eye on the chili while it simmers prevents scorching at the bottom.
Check Salt Last: Salt enhances chili, but add gradually—over-salting is easier to fix early on.

How to Serve Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe

Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I almost always top my bowl with a dollop of sour cream—it cools down the heat and adds creaminess that’s irresistible. If you want to fancy it up, sprinkle some sharp cheddar or crumbled queso fresco, plus a handful of fresh cilantro for brightness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice also wakes up the flavors in a delightful way.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love serving this chili with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or roasted veggies complement it nicely if you want to keep things light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends, spoon the chili into mini bread bowls or stuff it inside baked sweet potatoes for a fun twist. I’ve also served it over cooked quinoa or brown rice to stretch the meal and add an earthy base that’s perfect for extra leftovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to cool it down before sealing it tight to preserve freshness. When I dig into leftovers, I often find the flavors have deepened even more.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option! Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and avoid scorching. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Microwave works fine too, just stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Can I make the Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the turkey sausage for plant-based sausage or add a mix of hearty vegetables and beans. Increase the chili powder and spices to keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
Is this chili very spicy?

It has a nice kick thanks to the spicy sausage and cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne. I sometimes add chopped jalapeños on the side, so everyone can spice their bowl to taste.
Can I use a different type of kale?

Yes! While Tuscan kale (also known as dinosaur kale) is my favorite because of its tender leaves and mild flavor, curly kale or baby kale leaves also work. Just adjust cooking time slightly—they may soften faster.
What can I serve with this chili for a complete meal?

This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread, steamed rice, or a crisp salad for a balanced and comforting meal. You can also add avocado slices or shredded cheese as extra toppings.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s hearty, healthy, and endlessly satisfying. The way the kale melds into the spicy, savory broth always impresses guests and delights my family. If you need a dish that’s easy to make ahead, packs a nutritional punch, and warms you up from the inside out, you’ve got to give this one a try. I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again.