Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that combines rich Italian flavors with the nourishing goodness of kale?
This Italian Spicy Turkey Sausage & Kale Chili is a perfect choice!

Bursting with spicy turkey sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy cannellini beans, this chili is a flavorful twist on a classic.
The addition of Tuscan kale brings a slight earthiness and a boost of nutrients, making it a balanced meal in a bowl.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it to guests, this chili is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.
Serve it with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin oil
- 1 lb ground spicy turkey sausage
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 large bunch tuscan kale, stems and large center ribs removed, leaves torn into pieces sour cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 6 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices
- Stir in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute until it darkens slightly.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
- Pour in the chicken broth, and add the cannellini beans and diced tomatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
- Add the kale and season with additional salt if needed.
- Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened, about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
- Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make this chili ahead of time? How should I store it?
Absolutely! This chili can be made ahead of time and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
What can I use as a substitute for spicy turkey sausage?
If you can’t find spicy turkey sausage, you can use mild turkey sausage and add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat. Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based sausage can also work as substitutes. Just be aware that changing the protein might slightly alter the overall flavor and texture of the chili.

Quick Italian Spicy Turkey Sausage & Kale Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground spicy turkey sausage
- 1 large yellow onion,
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopp
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 large bunch Tuscan kale, stems and large center ribs removed, leaves torn into pieces
- Sour cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 6 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Spices
- Stir in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about 6 to 7 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute until it darkens slightly.
Simmer the Chili
- Pour in the chicken broth, and add the cannellini beans and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Add the kale and season with additional salt if needed. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened, about 30 minutes.
Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.Enjoy!
hey, can i just toss in some ground beef instead of turkey? not really into the whole turkey vibe, lol.
Sure, ground beef should work fine. Just adjust the spices to match beef’s taste!
Hey Sandra, this recipe sounds amazing for my busy evenings! But can I throw in frozen kale instead of fresh? Got a bunch in the freezer and itd be easier for me.
Frozen kale should work just fine, it might just make your chili a bit more watery. Maybe thaw and drain it first?
Love the idea of using kale! Trying to get more greens in my diet.
Love the idea of spicy turkey!!! Gonna crank up the heat with some extra chili flakes lol!!!
If chili had a time machine, it would definitely go back to this recipe, haha!
never thought of adding turkey sausage to chili, gonna give this a try, looks yum.
Can I grill the sausage first before adding it to the chili? Would that add some smokey flavor?
isn’t sausage kinda unhealthy though? even if its turkey?
It’s about balance. Turkey sausage is leaner than pork. Everything in moderation.
Spicy turkey and kale, what a ‘Revolutionary’ combo. Said no one.
Spicy turkey sausage sounds like it’s fake healthy. Why not use beans or something actually healthy?
Interesting use of spices. Might code up a recipe app and include this.
Let me know if you need help with that app. Recipe sounds great!
This chili recipe is perfect with a side of freshly baked bread! Can’t wait to try it, Sandra!
Sandra, this recipe looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make it this weekend 🙂
How long does it take to simmer? I dont have much time after work.