Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty slow cooker turkey chili can transform your weeknight dinner routine into a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender ground turkey mingles with robust beans and vibrant spices, creating a comforting meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with just a few key ingredients.

Each spoonful promises a warm embrace of southwestern-inspired goodness that sparks conversation around the dining table.

Clean-up becomes a breeze since everything simmers perfectly in one convenient appliance.

You’ll find this chili so delicious that seconds are inevitable, so consider making extra for tomorrow’s lunch.

FAQs

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili powder and personal preference. You can adjust by using mild chili powder or adding hot sauce for more heat.

• Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly and will give a slightly different but delicious flavor to the chili.

• Do I need to drain the beans before adding them to the slow cooker?

Yes, rinse and drain the beans to remove excess sodium and ensure a cleaner taste in your chili.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra beans, topping with shredded cheese, or stirring in some Greek yogurt for additional protein boost.

What Makes Slow Cooker Turkey Chili So Easy

• Breeze Through Cooking: Minimal prep work and hands-off cooking make this turkey chili a stress-free meal that practically prepares itself in the slow cooker.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with lean protein from turkey, fiber-rich beans, and vegetables, this chili delivers a balanced and wholesome dinner that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or game day, this chili offers customizable toppings that let everyone create their ideal bowl of warmth and flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Affordable ingredients like ground turkey, canned beans, and pantry spices create a delicious, filling meal that won't break the bank.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that provides a healthy protein foundation for the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that add depth and savory flavor to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Warm spices that create a robust and complex flavor profile for the chili.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth: Provide moisture and create a rich, hearty base for the chili.
• Black Beans, Red Kidney Beans, Corn: Add texture, protein, and additional nutritional value to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps with initial cooking of meat and vegetables, adding a subtle flavor.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Step 1: Brown Ground Turkey

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully add ground turkey and cook until it turns a rich golden brown, breaking it into small crumbles.

Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic until they become soft and translucent.

The vegetables will release a delightful fragrance that hints at the delicious meal to come.

Add these sauteed vegetables to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in these ingredients to create a robust flavor foundation.

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Black beans
• Red kidney beans
• Corn

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or beef to mix up the protein source while keeping the dish hearty and nutritious.
• Experiment with different bean combinations like pinto, white, or cannellini beans to add unique textures and flavors to your chili.
• Adjust the heat by reducing chili powder for mild preferences or adding cayenne pepper for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch meal prep.
• Sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the last hour of cooking to increase nutritional value without changing the core recipe.

Variations on Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a hearty meatless version.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to increase heat and complexity.
• Lean Protein Alternative: Use ground chicken or lean ground beef instead of turkey for different protein options while maintaining similar cooking methods.
• Low-Carb Option: Eliminate beans and corn, replace with extra zucchini and bell peppers to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping nutritional value high.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Game Night Feast: Serve this hearty chili during movie or sports gatherings with friends, creating a cozy and delicious shared meal.
• Comfort Bowl Companion: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates home cooking.
• Meal Prep Champion: Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches, dividing into individual portions that reheat perfectly for busy workdays or quick dinners.
• Family Style Dining: Pair with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crisp green salad to transform this chili into a complete and satisfying family meal that everyone will love.

How to Store Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Safely

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the chili cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili brings robust southwestern flavors to comfort meals with minimal kitchen effort. Packed with lean protein and savory spices, this easy one-pot wonder delivers delicious warmth you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground turkey (98% lean)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

Liquid and Base Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth/stock

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Instructions

1. Brown ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, then transfer to slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, then add to the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker, creating a robust spice blend.
4. Pour tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, red kidney beans, and sweet corn into the slow cooker, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Secure lid and cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, hearty consistency.
6. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the chili to distribute ingredients and ensure even temperature throughout.
7. Ladle into serving bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use lean ground turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and canned beans to control salt intake for health-conscious individuals.
• Enhance protein and texture by adding quinoa or diced bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or additional beans and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg