Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy gatherings. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and a rich blend of spices, it’s a healthy and hearty meal that’s simple to prepare. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the ingredients into a warm, satisfying bowl of chili that’s packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors.Customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs—make it low-carb, vegetarian, or spicier with a few easy swaps. Serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this chili is sure to become a family favorite!Low Setting: 6-8 hoursHigh Setting: 3-4 hoursLow Setting: Approximately 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours 25 minutesHigh Setting: Approximately 3 hours 25 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker (4-6 quart capacity recommended)
- 1 Large Skillet (for browning the turkey and sautéing vegetables)
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring and breaking up the turkey)
- 1 Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
- 1 Chef’s Knife (for dicing onions, peppers, and garlic)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
- 1 Can Opener (for opening canned beans and tomatoes)
- Mixing Bowl (optional, for prepping ingredients ahead of time)
- 1 Serving Bowls (for enjoying your chili)
- 1 Ladle (for serving the chili easily)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Onion medium, diced
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 Can Crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Cup Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Can Kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 Can Black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 Cup Corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 2 tbsp Chili powder
- 1 tbsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Toppings (optional): shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips
Instructions
Prep the ingredients:
- Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans if using canned.
Cook the turkey:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker.
Sauté the veggies:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add the remaining ingredients:
- To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and additional salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
Cook low and slow:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together.
Adjust seasoning and serve:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
(Includes chopping vegetables, cooking the ground turkey, and assembling ingredients.) -
Cook Time:
- Low Setting: 6-8 hours
- High Setting: 3-4 hours
- Additional Time: 5-10 minutes for adjusting seasoning and serving.
Total Time
- Low Setting: Approximately 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours 25 minutes
- High Setting: Approximately 3 hours 25 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply start the cooker.
- Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Portion chili into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.