Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Crafting a hearty slow cooker turkey chili brings comfort to chilly evenings with minimal effort.

Savory spices and tender meat create a delightful meal that practically cooks itself.

Every kitchen needs a go-to recipe that delivers maximum flavor without constant supervision.

Deep, rich seasonings blend seamlessly with lean ground turkey for a healthier twist on classic chili.

Aromas will fill your home, promising a satisfying dinner that everyone craves.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish delivers nutrition alongside incredible taste.

What You Add To Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the base of the chili, low-fat option for healthier meal, choose 98% lean for best texture.
• Black Beans, Red Kidney Beans: Hearty legumes that add protein and fiber, boost nutritional value and provide creamy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that creates depth and complexity, fresh ingredients provide better taste than pre-chopped.
• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Sweet Paprika: Warm spices that create rich, complex chili flavor profile, add warmth and traditional chili taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor, adjust to personal preference.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create smooth, rich base for chili, provide acidity and moisture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds additional liquid and deeper flavor, helps create ideal chili consistency.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture, works well with bean and meat mixture.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and helping ingredients blend, helps prevent sticking.

Turkey Chili In Slow Cooker Steps

Step 1: Brown The Turkey

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add ground turkey and cook the meat until it turns a nice golden brown color, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Step 2: Transfer And Season

Move the browned turkey into the slow cooker.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Add Liquid And Beans

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Corn

Mix all components thoroughly to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook The Chili

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 until the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Enjoy your hearty and comforting turkey chili!

Pro Prep For Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Choose ground turkey breast for an even lower-fat version of this hearty chili, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining great flavor.
• Mix different types of beans like pinto or white beans to add texture and increase nutritional diversity in your chili.
• Adjust chili powder and add a dash of cayenne pepper to customize heat intensity based on personal preference or family tolerance.
• Prepare chili in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months, making busy weeknight dinners super convenient.
• Sneak extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini into the slow cooker for added nutrition and subtle flavor complexity.

Turkey Chili Storage And Reheating In Simple Steps

• Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chili stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 4 months, leaving slight space for expansion.
• Warm in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Gently reheat on stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain consistent temperature and texture.

Best Sides for Turkey Chili

• Elevate Chili's Flavor Profile: Pair this hearty turkey chili with a crisp, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the rich spices and complements the dish's robust flavors.
• Complement with Cool Creaminess: Top the chili with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the heat and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy base.
• Crunch Factor Side Kick: Serve alongside crispy cornbread or tortilla chips to introduce a satisfying textural element that enhances the overall eating experience and provides a delightful crunch.
• Wine Wisdom Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, which can stand up to the chili's bold spices and provide a smooth, complementary drinking companion.

Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or additional mixed beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Increase chili powder, add diced green chilies, and include jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Swap beans for riced cauliflower and use fewer tomatoes to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto dieters.
• Chicken Chili Alternative: Substitute ground turkey with shredded chicken breast for a different lean protein option.

FAQs

• Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?

Ground turkey is leaner and has less saturated fat compared to ground beef, making it a healthier protein choice for chili. It provides similar protein content with fewer calories.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use a hotter chili powder to increase the heat level. You can also include a dash of hot sauce to kick up the spiciness according to your preference.

• What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can easily adapt this recipe to a large pot on the stovetop. Simply brown the turkey, add ingredients, and simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This turkey chili stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and can be portioned into containers for easy weekday lunches or dinners. The flavors actually improve after a day or two.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili That’s Perfect For Cold Days

• Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, letting the appliance do all the hard work without constant monitoring.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Ground turkey delivers lean protein while beans and corn boost nutritional value, creating a hearty meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: This chili offers mild, adaptable flavors kids will love, with easy customization through optional toppings that let everyone personalize their bowl.
• Time-Saving Convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of active cooking time and delivers a complete meal that feeds multiple people with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker turkey chili brings robust southwestern flavors directly to your dinner table. Lean protein and rich spices combine for a comforting meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 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

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce

Spices and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth or stock

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet with olive oil and thoroughly brown ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Transfer the seasoned turkey into the slow cooker, introducing aromatic diced onions and minced garlic along with a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the slow cooker, creating a rich liquid base for the chili.
4. Incorporate chicken broth to enhance the moisture and depth of flavor, ensuring the mixture remains juicy and well-integrated.
5. Gently fold in black beans, kidney beans, and sweet corn kernels, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3-4 hours, enabling flavors to meld and develop complexity.
7. Once cooking is complete, stir the chili to redistribute ingredients and ensure consistent temperature and seasoning.
8. Ladle the hearty chili into serving bowls and embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, or sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that keeps the chili light and nutritious.
• Skip browning the turkey if you’re short on time, as slow cooking will still develop rich flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder and adding cayenne for extra heat according to personal preference.
• Swap beans for alternative vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers to create a lower-carb version that’s equally delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg