Molé Turkey Chili

Molé Turkey Chili has a total depth of flavor you won't get from any ordinary chili and plenty of spice to heat up an otherwise chili (get it) day!

While this spicy mole turkey chili recipe may not be a traditional chili in terms of what you're used to, with the addition of cocoa powder and cinnamon, that's what makes it original...and unique, with a delicious depth of flavor!

**Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Mole Turkey Chili is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe. 

Jump to:

• The ingredient list:
• Kitchen tools and equipment:
• How this recipe came about:
• Where did molé sauce originate?
• How to make molé turkey chili:
• Why this mole turkey chili recipe works?
• What about the beer in this recipe? Can it be left out?
• How much turkey chili does this recipe make?
• How long will can this chili be store in the refrigerator?
• Can mole turkey chili be frozen?
• What are some good sides that go well with molé turkey chili?
• Printable Recipe Card

The ingredient list:

**Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

• ground turkey
• chorizo
• red onion
• green bell pepper
• red bell pepper
• canned black beans
• canned tomato puree
• canned tomato paste
• beer
• ground cinnamon
• cocoa powder
• chili powder
• ground coriander
• ground cumin
• smoked paprika
• dried oregano
• brown sugar
• butter
• sour cream (optional)
• shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• salt and pepper

Kitchen tools and equipment:

• large Dutch oven or stockpot
• wooden spoon or spatula
• measuring cups and spoons
• can opener
• strainer (optional)
• cutting board
• chef's knife

How this recipe came about:

The call for the Chili Cook-Off went out, and I immediately knew I had to participate.

To enter this prestigious chili cook-off, I tied on my thinking cap and came up with a fun twist to my traditional homemade chili.

The result is a unique and flavorful recipe I like to call Olé Mole Turkey Chili.

Where did molé sauce originate?

I recently read that the word molé is a loose translation for the word, mix.

Molé sauce originated in Mexico, and legend has it that a group of nuns in a convent combined every ingredient they had in the cupboards to create a dish for the archbishop, and thus molé was born.

Molé sauce always includes chili pepper, but cocoa powder, fruit, nuts, and cinnamon (to name a few) are also common ingredients in a molé sauce.

How to make molé turkey chili:

• In a large Dutch oven or heavy bottom stockpot, brown the ground turkey and the chorizo in the olive oil.
• Add the diced bell peppers and onion.
• Stir in the tomato paste and the dry seasonings.
• Cook, stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the drained beans, brown sugar, cocoa powder, tomato puree, diced tomatoes, and beer.
• Stir well to combine.
• Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• Right before serving, add 2 tablespoons of butter, and additional brown sugar, salt, and pepper, if desired.
• Serve hot with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese (optional).

Why this mole turkey chili recipe works?

This chocolaty, cinnamony, and meaty chili is pungent and spicy with just a slight hint of Mexican beer in the background for even more flavor.

One spoonful of this chili and you'll soon be singing its praises...Olé, Olé, Olé, Olé, Molé, Molé, Molé, Molé!

Don't let the somewhat long list of ingredients put you off from making this recipe! While the ingredient list may be lengthy, the ingredients are mostly spices and seasonings you probably already have on hand in your own pantry.

What about the beer in this recipe? Can it be left out?

You also don't need to use Mexican beer. I was being cheeky when I used Corona and named this Olé Molé turkey chili. You can use whatever beer you happen to have on hand.

Or, you can opt-out of the beer altogether and substitute an equal amount of water with a splash of apple cider vinegar, or the juice of one lime, for a little hint of brightness that brings all the flavors together.

How much turkey chili does this recipe make?

This recipe makes a huge pot of chili so you might want to invite a bunch of family and friends over to share it with you.

This recipe (as written) makes approximately 2 quarts of mole chili.

How long will can this chili be store in the refrigerator?

You store mole chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Can mole turkey chili be frozen?

Yes!!

Make sure you cool the chili completely before freezing.

Add it to an air-tight freezer container (or two) and freeze for up to 3 months.

What are some good sides that go well with molé turkey chili?

• Jalapeno and Cheddar Cornbread (pictured below)

"We are a family of cornbread lovers! I especially love to play around with the mix-ins and come up with fun new flavor combinations. This one for Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread is one of my family's favorites!

• Homemade Horchata (pictured below)

"Horchata is made from long-grain rice, blanched almonds, vanilla, sugar, lime, and cinnamon. It is then blended together and strained to make a creamy beverage that looks just like cow’s milk but in fact, it has no dairy whatsoever."

• Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Poppy Seed Vinaigrette (pictured below)

"Heart-Healthy Avocado Mango Salad With Lime Poppy Seed Vinaigrette is a brightly flavored, cool, and satisfying salad."

My blogger friend Jenni of Jenni's Pastry Chef Online also has a Molé chili recipe on her site that I urge you to check out. She calls hers Holy Molé Chili and it looks like a complete winner!!

⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂

Printable Recipe Card

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's amazing homemade turkey chili recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!