Hey there! If you’re on the lookout for a hearty meal that practically cooks itself, let me introduce you to my slow-cooker turkey chili. This dish has been a lifesaver for our busy family weeknights. I’ll tell you—I’m no stranger to tossing whatever’s on hand into the slow cooker in a bid to avoid the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question at 5 PM. This recipe is cozy, filling, and can easily be adapted to suit the herbs and spices nestled in your pantry. Speaking of which, if you’re interested in more stress-free meals, you might love our breakfast pizza recipe. Now, let’s dive into slow-cooker heaven.
Why you’ll love this recipe
There are countless reasons to love this slow-cooker turkey chili, but let’s focus on a few relatable perks:
- Effortless Cooking: The beauty of this recipe is that you can set it up in the morning, go about your busy day, and return home to the welcoming aroma of dinner ready to go.
- Family-Friendly: With two types of beans and loads of ground turkey, it’s packed with goodness, keeping bellies full and satisfied.
- Adaptable: Not a fan of turkey? Go ahead, swap it out for beef or keep it completely veggie! The slow-cooker turkey chili is forgiving like that.
- Make-Ahead Champion: Like many moms, I love a recipe that gets better with time. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat rather than a chore.
Brown your meat: Toss in the ground turkey. Break it up with your spatula—nothing strenuous; you want it browned and cooked through, not wrestling with the pieces. Stir in the tomato paste for a minute. Everything transfers into the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need (besides a smile and a hefty appetite):
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1½ lbs ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar (for garnish)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-step instructions
Feel confident as you whip up this slow-cooker turkey chili. Here’s how:
1. Prep the base
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and smell fragrant.
2. Combine ingredients
Add garlic, chopped tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, broth, and spices. Stir everything together to mix the flavors.
3. Let it cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir once halfway through if you can, but it’s okay if you don’t.
4. Season and serve
When done, add a splash of lime juice or vinegar for brightness. Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheddar and green onions. Add avocado slices if you like.
Recipe tips & variations
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños for kick or stick to paprika for warmth without the heat.
- Storage: Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding corn for sweetness or play with spices like smoked paprika or even a pinch of cinnamon.
Storage & reheating
Store your slow-cooker turkey chili in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, it reheats perfectly on the stovetop or microwave. I often turn leftovers into chili-topped baked potatoes for a quick lunch.
FAQs
Can I make this turkey chili in advance?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead meal and actually tastes even better the next day.
Can I use different beans?
Absolutely! Use whatever you have—pinto beans or chickpeas work great too.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem. Just simmer the chili on the stovetop over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring now and then.
How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?
Simmer it uncovered for about 15 minutes, or mash a few beans to make it thicker.
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Enjoy your time cooking, and remember, every dish is a chance to connect with those you love or even just to enjoy a moment of culinary peace. Feel free to comment below if you tweak this recipe to make it your own special creation—I’d love to hear about it!
Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and adaptable slow-cooker turkey chili recipe perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar (for garnish)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the base: In a skillet, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until they soften and are fragrant.
- Brown your meat: Toss in the ground turkey. Break it up with your spatula—nothing strenuous; you want it browned and cooked through, not wrestling with the pieces. Stir in the tomato paste for a minute. Everything transfers into the slow cooker.
- Combine the ingredients: In goes the garlic, chopped tomatoes, black and kidney beans, broth, and spices. Stir it all to bring the flavors together.
- Let it cook: Cover, set on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. If you’re around, give it a stir halfway through—otherwise, don’t sweat it.
- Season & serve: When done, add a dash of lime juice or vinegar to brighten it up. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar and green onions. Maybe throw on some avocado slices if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños for kick or stick to paprika for warmth without the heat.
- Storage: Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding corn for sweetness or play with spices like smoked paprika or even a pinch of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg