Delicious Turkey Chili with Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese — rich, meaty, and full of flavor. A family favorite that reheats beautifully and is perfect for camping or weeknight dinners.
We recently celebrated my friend Rina’s surprise birthday. The party went perfectly and the kids immediately made friends, playing together outdoors in the grass. Seeing them toss balls, hunt for ladybugs in mason jars and explore the yard without screens was a welcome reminder of what summer should feel like: simple, active, and full of discovery.
I’m all for the occasional iPad or educational app — they can be helpful. But my hope for this summer is that my children spend more time outside, getting a little messy, and enjoying the freedom of play. Living in Wisconsin gives us the chance to take those days outside even further — we’re planning to go camping, and I’m as excited about the menu as I am about the campsite.
This turkey chili is a go-to for busy nights and camping trips alike. I like to use a generous amount of chili powder and spices — my kids sometimes reach for a glass of water with it, but they always dig in, especially when it’s loaded with ground turkey or beef. The hearty, meaty texture is what they enjoy most, and the chili keeps well for reheating, which makes it ideal for taking on the road.
What really elevates this chili is a creamy, buttery topping: shredded Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese. Its texture is similar to Havarti — smooth and meltable — and it adds a mild, creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the bold chili spices. Pile it on and garnish with fresh green onions for color and brightness.
Below is the full recipe for Turkey Chili with Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese. If you’re planning to bring this on a camping trip, prepare and cook it at home, cool it, and pack it in an airtight container. Reheat over a campfire, in a Dutch oven, or on a small portable stove, and finish with shredded Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese and diced green onions.
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
- 2–3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
- 2–3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½–1 lb. ground turkey
- 2 cans (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup water
- 5–8 oz. Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese, shredded
- Fresh green onions, diced for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 4 minutes.
- Add the chopped carrots, diced bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 6–8 minutes. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the rinsed beans and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let simmer, uncovered, until the chili thickens slightly, about 30–35 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and serve topped with shredded Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese and diced green onions.
- For camping: cool completely and pack in an airtight container. Reheat the chili in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over the campfire or a portable stove until heated through. Top with cheese and green onions before serving.
This chili is versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for evenings at home or meals around the campsite. The Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese melts into creamy, mild ribbons that balance the spice and bring a rich, comforting finish to every bowl.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored in partnership with Wisconsin Cheese. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting partnerships with the brands I use and love.