If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that brings a little zing and a heap of nourishment to your table, you’re going to absolutely love this Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe. I discovered this gem on a chilly evening when I wanted something comforting but not too heavy — and let me tell you, it’s become a household favorite ever since. The spicy turkey sausage pairs so beautifully with the earthy kale and creamy beans, and it all simmers together into the most satisfying, flavorful chili you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Heat and Flavor: The turkey sausage brings just the right amount of spice without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Nutritious and Filling: With kale and beans, it’s packed with fiber and protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal fuss make this chili a weeknight winner.
Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this chili — spicy and healthy with a homemade touch.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick soup, showing three main layers: large white beans with smooth surfaces scattered throughout, a rich dark red tomato-based broth that fills the space around the beans, and dark green kale leaves with a slightly curly texture mixed evenly, along with small pieces of brown cooked meat and some red pepper bits. A metal ladle held by a woman's hand is scooping up some soup from the bowl, capturing a mix of the beans, kale, meat, and broth. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili, spicy turkey sausage chili, hearty kale chili, healthy turkey sausage chili, easy spicy chili recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this spicy turkey sausage and kale chili recipe plays a part in crafting the perfect balance between hearty, spicy, and fresh. I always shop for good-quality turkey sausage to make sure the flavors really shine through.

Flat lay of a raw spicy ground turkey sausage patty, a large yellow onion peeled and whole, a whole red bell pepper with seeds removed and cut in half, two uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine cayenne pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano leaves, coarse kosher salt crystals scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale white cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl containing diced ripe red tomatoes, and a large bunch of fresh Tuscan kale leaves torn into pieces, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili, spicy turkey sausage chili, hearty kale chili, healthy turkey sausage chili, easy spicy chili recipe

Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing, adds a nice depth and subtle fruitiness.
Ground spicy turkey sausage: Lean yet flavorful, it brings the heat and protein.
Large yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a solid base flavor when cooked down.
Red bell pepper: Offers color and subtle sweetness without overpowering heat.
Garlic cloves: Essential for savory depth and that fragrant aroma.
Chili powder: The backbone seasoning, bringing warmth and complexity.
Cayenne pepper: For an extra kick—adjust to your heat preference.
Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a touch of herbal brightness.
Kosher salt: To season perfectly throughout the cooking process.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things flavorful without too much salt.
Cannellini beans: Creamy and filling, they soak up all that spicy goodness.
Diced tomatoes (canned): Introduce acidity and freshness.
Tuscan kale: This hearty green stands up well to simmering and adds color and nutrients.
Sour cream (optional): To mellow the heat and add creamy richness when serving.

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

One of the things I love about this Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Add Extra Veggies: I’ve tossed in some chopped zucchini or corn when I wanted more freshness and color. It’s an easy way to boost nutrition.
Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the sour cream or swap with a dollop of coconut yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy.
Use Mild Sausage: If you prefer less heat, swap spicy turkey sausage for mild turkey sausage and add extra chili powder in smaller amounts to control spice.
Swap Greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, spinach or Swiss chard work beautifully too, just add them towards the end to avoid overcooking.

How to Make Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Build Your Base

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil’s shimmering, add the ground spicy turkey sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into chunks as it cooks. Cook it for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This browning step is crucial — it locks in flavor and gives your chili that meaty backbone.

Next, add the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and sprinkle in the chili powder, cayenne, dried oregano, and a pinch of kosher salt. I like to give it a good stir so all the spices coat the vegetables and sausage. Cook this combo for about 6–7 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies soften and the aromatics pop out.

Finally, stir in the tomato paste and cook for one more minute until it deepens in color—that little caramelization adds a lovely richness to your chili.

Step 2: Simmer the Chili to Perfection

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, cannellini beans, and canned diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir and crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the torn kale leaves. Season with a little more kosher salt to taste.

Let the chili simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes. This simmer allows all the flavors to meld together, the kale to soften, and the chili to thicken. You’ll want to keep an eye on the liquid level and stir every now and then to prevent sticking, but after a while, your kitchen will be smelling like the best kind of comfort food.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe

Brown in Batches: If you overcrowd the pot when browning meat, it steams instead of browns—take your time to get those caramelized bits.
Adjust Heat Gradually: I start with less cayenne and add more later if needed; you can always add spice, but it’s tough to take it away!
Use Sturdy Greens: Tuscan kale holds up well to simmering, unlike delicate greens that can turn mushy.
Don’t Skip Simmering: Letting it simmer allows flavors to develop in a way quick cooks just can’t replicate.

How to Serve Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe

A white plate filled with a thick stew showing layers of large white beans, chunks of browned meat, green kale leaves, and small pieces of red bell pepper all mixed in a rich red-brown sauce. On top of the stew in the center sits a smooth, round dollop of white cream with soft ridges. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili, spicy turkey sausage chili, hearty kale chili, healthy turkey sausage chili, easy spicy chili recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this chili with a big dollop of sour cream—it cools down the heat and adds creamy richness that makes every bite extra comforting. Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions add fresh pop and color, too. If you want a bit more texture, some crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese works wonders.

Side Dishes

We usually enjoy this chili with a side of warm cornbread or crusty artisan bread to soak up all the saucy goodness. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette also complements the richness perfectly if you want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served the chili in individual mini cast iron pots or rustic ramekins with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a sour cream swirl on top—it feels so special and inviting when served this way. You could also ladle it over baked sweet potatoes for a fun twist that’s both filling and colorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better than the first night!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. This keeps the chili creamy and prevents the kale from drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef works fine if you want a richer flavor, though turkey sausage keeps it lighter and adds a bit of spice. You might want to add extra seasoning if using plain ground beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and broth don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. Always check labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add kale in the last 30 minutes to keep it from getting too mushy.
How spicy is this chili?

This chili has a nice medium heat level thanks to the spicy turkey sausage and cayenne, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or hotter depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited about making this Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili Recipe as I do every time I cook it. There’s something so satisfying about the bold flavors and wholesome ingredients coming together in one pot — plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that nourishes body and soul. Give it a try on your next chilly night, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals too. Just like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s perfect for sharing with people you love.