Turkey Chili Nachos is a very convenient and scrumptious recipe. It combines crispy nachos with a flavorful and satisfying ground turkey chili topping. My favorite part is how easy it is to make. The result? A versatile Mexican dish to serve as an appetizer for any party or family meeting. This recipe serves a crowd!
If you’re in need of more delicious, nachos-based recipes, then you should try these ones: Smoky Chicken Nachos, Low Carb Nachos, Black Bean Nachos.
Chili nachos are basically nachos taken to the next level. Instead of just cheese and toppings, they’re loaded with warm, flavorful chili that makes this Tex-Mex meal way more filling and satisfying. They are perfect for game day or casual dining.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Family favorite for years
- Easy to make
- Great for game day
- Casual eating at its best
- Hearty and delicious
Helpful Items For This Recipe
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KitchenAid 9x13in Nonstick Aluminized Steel Baking Sheet, Contour Silver
Tongs For Cooking – Heat Resistant 600 Degrees Stainless Steel
Ingredients to make Turkey Chili Nachos
In this version, we use turkey chili, which keeps things lighter but still super comforting and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for sharing… or not.
Recipe Ingredients
Olive oil – We’ve used olive oil, but you can use whatever you have on hand to saute the veggies in this recipe.
Yellow onion – It adds moisture and flavor to the base of the turkey chili.
Garlic cloves – They add a pungent taste. Use fresh garlic whenever possible.
Ground cumin – It’s a key flavor in any Mexican dish, don’t skip it!
Salt and pepper – Add these to taste.
Lean ground turkey – Using turkey for this recipe was such a success, but you can replace it with any ground meat of your choice.
Pomodoro sauce – Or your favorite tomato sauce. It helps to build up the chili sauce.
Sweet red pepper – It gives the turkey a slightly sweet hint.
Green onions – We used half of them in the chili and then the remaining on top.
Salsa picante – Use any salsa you love and adjust the amount to your liking. You can make it as spicy as you like.
Tortilla chips – They are the crunchy base for this recipe. Get a large bag so that everyone gets their chance to dig in.
Mozzarella – Gooey mozzarella melted on top of the nachos is all you need to make this recipe everyone’s favorite.
Fresh cilantro and lime juice – Add these two on top just before serving for an authentic Mexican dish. Serve with more lime wedges if you like.
How to make Chili Nachos
Cook the onion until soft and slightly golden, in the olive oil, in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the turkey and cook for about 5 min. until it is no longer pink.
Next, stir in the tomato sauce. Add half the green onions, red pepper, and salsa, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 min. until thickened.
Layer the chips and turkey chili in a large 9 x 13″ pan or broiler pan. Top with cheese.
Broil until the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden.
Top with the remaining green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve immediately!!
Are Chili Nachos gluten-free?
They can be! Just make sure your tortilla chips are labeled gluten-free and double-check your sauces and seasonings. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free, which makes these nachos a great option if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Recipe Pro Tips
What can you serve with nachos for dinner?
Nachos are already pretty complete on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving them with:
– Sweet and Spicy Corn Relish: Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Canned Corn Relish brings a perfect pop of sweet heat to your backyard barbecue. Serve this colorful relish as a dip with chips, with shrimp, on tacos and nachos, burgers, hot dogs, or on your favorite grilled meat.
– Cotija Corn Salad Recipe: Fresh and vibrant salad packed with cotija cheese and Mexican flavours.
– Baked Chicken Flautas: This easy appetizer or main dish is loved in our family! Baked Chicken Flautas, or as you may call them, Rolled Tacos, is simple Mexican food that can be a whole meal or an appetizer that anyone can make.
– Pico de Gallo: Pico de Gallo is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and the homemade version is a hundred times better than store-bought. It’s so easy to make, and the result is a fresh and mouthwatering salsa that can be used in various dishes.
– Easy Guacamole Recipe: This Easy Guacamole Recipe is packed full of healthy, delicious ingredients like avocados, black beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, and more. It is a homemade guacamole recipe that supposedly Joe Montana loves for game day.
LOVE TEX-MEX AND WANT MORE?
We love the ease and flavor of Tex-Mex dishes. Here are some more of our favorites!!
Turkey Chili Nachos
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups Pomodoro sauce or your favorite tomato sauce
- 1/2 sweet red pepper diced
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. salsa picante
- 1 large bag tortilla chips baked or fried
- 1 1/2 cups part skim mozzarella
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tsp. lime juice
Instructions
- Cook the onion until soft and slightly golden, in the olive oil, in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the turkey and cook for about 5 min. until it is no longer pink. Stir in the tomato sauce. Add half the green onions, red pepper, and salsa, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 min. until thickened.
- Layer the chips and turkey chili in a large 9 x 13" pan or broiler pan. Top with cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden. Top with the remaining green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve immediately!!
- Recipe adapted from Canadian Living Magazine
Comments & Reviews
Angie says
So much better than beef nachos!!! Love this recipe!!!!
Tara Noland says
Thank you Angie, we sure love this recipe!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
It’s been ages since I was in San Diego but it’s such a livable city. We don’t ever seen ground turkey in our stores as turkey isn’t a popular option. I buy turkey and grind it myself and I will do it to have these nachos.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
It’s been ages since I was in San Diego but it’s such a livable city. We don’t ever seen ground turkey in our stores as turkey isn’t a popular option. I buy turkey and grind it myself and I will do it to have these nachos.
Meg @The Housewife in Training Files says
Nachos have become my obsession lately! These look fantastic! Pinned!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Meg!
Heidy McCallum says
Fantastic recipe love the fact you use Turkey! I can’t wait to try this nacho recipe .
Noshing with the Nolands says
I hope you love it like we did Heidy!!
Heidy McCallum says
Fantastic recipe love the fact you use Turkey! I can’t wait to try this nacho recipe .
Katerina says
OMG, this is totally droolworthy! I love Mexican and this is right up my alley!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank you so much Katerina!!
Janette@culinaryginger says
Wow, this looks amazing. Love the use of tomato sauce 🙂
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Janette, it was a quick and easy fix for dinner too!!
Aunt Bee says
These may be the best looking nachos I have ever seen!!!!!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Aren’t you the sweetest Brandi, they sure are one of the best ones I have ever made!!
Lois J Levy Smith says
I took one look at the picture and that was it. I knew I would love it. It is so delicious. Great for my Palm Springs parties.
Tara Noland says
Thanks so much!! Glad you loved it!!
Lori Who Needs A Cape? says
I love using ground turkey, and the flavors of this are right up my alley! Thanks Tara…pinning!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Lori for coming over!! Glad you like them!!
Janette@culinaryginger says
Wow, this looks amazing. Love the use of tomato sauce 🙂
Aunt Bee says
These may be the best looking nachos I have ever seen!!!!!
Peter @Feed Your Soul Too says
You have elevated this dish with your recipe, your presentation and your picture.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Peter, lovely to see you again!!