Slow cooker turkey chili has become my go-to comfort food, especially on those chilly evenings when I crave something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of spices and simmering tomatoes filled my whole house, promising a delicious meal without all the fuss. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder how to make slow cooker turkey chili this good without breaking a sweat. This easy slow cooker turkey chili is packed with lean protein and wholesome veggies, making it a dish the whole family will love. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This recipe is a weeknight wonder for so many reasons! It’s truly a simple slow cooker turkey chili that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
- Unbeatable Flavor: Rich, savory, and perfectly spiced, it’s a taste sensation.
- Minimal Prep Time: Get dinner started in just 15 minutes!
- Healthy Choice: This healthy slow cooker turkey chili is packed with lean protein and fiber.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delicious ground turkey chili.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and additions.
- The Perfect Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a hearty meal.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Here are the turkey chili slow cooker ingredients you’ll need for this amazing meal. Gathering these simple items makes putting together this healthy slow cooker turkey chili a breeze.
- 1 pound lean ground turkey – the lean protein base for our hearty chili
- 1 large onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped – for a bit of sweetness and vibrant color
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic chili aroma and flavor
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – provides the tomato base and liquid
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained – classic chili beans for texture
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – another hearty bean choice
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained – adds a creamy texture
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained – for a touch of heat and extra tomato flavor
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – helps meld the flavors and ensures proper simmering
- 2 tablespoons chili powder – the heart of our chili spice blend
- 1 teaspoon cumin – adds an earthy, warm note
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a subtle smoky depth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – a classic herb pairing
- Salt and black pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado – for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Transforming simple ingredients into a delicious meal is incredibly easy with this ground turkey chili slow cooker recipe. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor develops with minimal effort.
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the chili healthy.
- Step 2: Transfer the browned turkey to your 6-quart slow cooker. The aroma of the savory turkey is the first hint of the deliciousness to come.
- Step 3: Add the 1 large onion, chopped, 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced to the slow cooker with the turkey. These aromatics will soften and infuse the chili with fantastic flavor as it cooks.
- Step 4: Stir in all the canned goods: the 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, and the 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained.
- Step 5: Pour in the 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth. This liquid helps everything cook evenly and melds all the wonderful flavors together.
- Step 6: Sprinkle in the seasonings: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and generously season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for a flavorful chili, and it’s what makes this a truly quick slow cooker turkey chili option.
- Step 7: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chili is ready when the turkey is cooked through and the flavors have really melded together beautifully.
- Step 8: Before serving, give the chili a taste and adjust seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.
- Step 9: Ladle the hearty slow cooker turkey chili into bowls and top with your favorite optional toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Want to elevate your chili game? These tips will ensure your batch is the best slow cooker turkey chili you’ve ever made.
- For richer flavor, sauté the onions and bell peppers with the ground turkey before adding them to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the vegetables, deepening their sweetness.
- Don’t be afraid to customize the spice level! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the garlic for an extra kick.
- Mash about a cup of the beans against the side of the slow cooker before cooking. This helps thicken the chili naturally without needing cornstarch or flour.
- Letting the chili rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking, before serving, allows the flavors to meld even further.
What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker turkey chili?
The secret to a perfect turkey chili slow cooker recipe lies in building flavor layers. Browning the turkey and aromatics first, and using a good blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, makes all the difference. For more recipe inspiration, check out our food section.
Can I make slow cooker turkey chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients, brown the turkey, and combine everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Store the insert in the refrigerator and transfer it to the slow cooker base in the morning to start cooking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with turkey chili slow cooker?
A common mistake is not browning the turkey properly, which can lead to a watery chili. Also, avoid overcooking, as it can make the beans mushy. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving your turkey chili slow cooker masterpiece. Learn more about proper cooking techniques at this resource.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This hearty chili is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a cozy turkey chili slow cooker dinner. It’s delicious served simply in a bowl, but I love dressing it up with a variety of toppings.
- For a classic chili experience, top your bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and some chopped fresh cilantro. A sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips adds a welcome crunch.
- Serve it alongside fluffy cornbread or warm crusty bread. These are perfect for soaking up every last flavorful drop of the chili.
- You can also serve it over baked potatoes or rice for a more substantial meal. This makes for a fantastic, filling dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying. For more serving ideas, explore our recipe ideas.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This recipe makes about 6 servings, and each serving is approximately 1.5 cups. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy meal.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for different toppings. For more information on nutritional tracking, you can refer to resources like the MyFitnessPal website.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
One of the best things about this turkey chili slow cooker recipe is how well it stores and reheats. Once your delicious chili has cooled down a bit, you can portion it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, it will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning further ahead, this chili freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it can be stored for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, reheating is a breeze. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat larger batches on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or even pop a frozen portion back into the slow cooker on low for a couple of hours until warmed. For more tips on food storage, visit this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Chili Slow Cooker
What is slow cooker turkey chili?
Slow cooker turkey chili is a hearty, flavorful stew made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices, cooked conveniently in a slow cooker. It’s a fantastic one-pot meal that requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days.
Why make slow cooker turkey chili?
You’ll want to make this turkey chili slow cooker recipe because it’s incredibly convenient, delivering deep flavors with very little effort. It’s also a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili, packed with lean protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and guilt-free meal for the whole family.
Can I use different types of beans in my turkey chili slow cooker?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for kidney, black, and cannellini beans, feel free to experiment. Pinto beans, great northern beans, or even a mix of your favorites work wonderfully in a turkey chili slow cooker. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well.
How do I make my slow cooker turkey chili spicier?
To kick up the heat in your slow cooker turkey chili, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a chopped jalapeño (with or without seeds, depending on your heat preference), or even a dash of hot sauce along with the other seasonings. You can also use a spicier canned tomato and green chili blend. For more spice options, check out our spice guide.
Variations of Slow Cooker Turkey Chili You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic slow cooker turkey chili, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
- Spicy Turkey Chili Slow Cooker: For those who love a kick, add a chopped jalapeño (seeds and membranes removed for less heat) or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. You can also incorporate a can of diced tomatoes with chipotle peppers for a smoky heat.
- Low Carb Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: If you’re watching your carbs, simply omit the beans or use a smaller amount. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower florets to bulk it up. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a completely low-carb meal.
- White Turkey Chili Slow Cooker: Swap out the diced tomatoes and chili powder for green chilies, white beans (like cannellini or great northern), and chicken broth. Season with cumin, oregano, and a hint of cayenne for a delicious white chili variation.
- Vegetarian Chili Slow Cooker: Skip the turkey and double up on the beans and vegetables! You can also add corn or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness and flavor.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: 1 Truly Delicious Meal
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes - 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty, protein-packed, and easy-to-make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili perfect for busy weeknights. This healthy chili recipe is full of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Transfer the browned turkey to your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the turkey chili is heated through and the flavors have melded.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve your slow cooker turkey chili hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker before cooking, or remove the lid for the last hour of cooking.
- This slow cooker turkey chili is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
