The Heartiest Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a hearty slow cooker turkey chili can turn an ordinary weeknight into a cozy culinary adventure.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Lean ground turkey brings a healthier twist to this classic comfort dish.

Packed with robust beans, vibrant vegetables, and rich spices, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients together and let your slow cooker do the magic.

Spice levels can be easily adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.

Jump into this delicious journey and watch your chili simmer to perfection – your taste buds will thank you.

FAQs

• Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili?

Turkey chili offers lower fat content and fewer calories compared to traditional beef chili, making it a leaner protein option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, or include a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your personal spice preference.

• Do I need to brown the turkey before adding to the slow cooker?

Yes, browning the ground turkey first helps develop deeper flavors and ensures the meat is fully cooked, preventing any raw meat texture in the final dish.

• What if I don't have fresh bell peppers?

You can substitute with frozen bell peppers or use additional onions. The key is maintaining some vegetable content for texture and nutritional value in the chili.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili That Saves Time

• Hands-Off Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal: Loaded with lean protein from turkey, fiber-rich beans, and colorful vegetables, this chili delivers a balanced and wholesome dinner that keeps you satisfied.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customizable with various toppings and spice levels, making it ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or potluck events where everyone has different taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable ingredients like ground turkey, canned beans, and pantry spices, creating a hearty meal that stretches your dollar without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

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

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add flavor and texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the chili.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Hearty legumes that add protein and create a classic chili texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base that provides moisture and rich tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that thickens and intensifies the chili's base.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Warm spice blend that creates the signature chili flavor profile.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat used for sautéing vegetables and meat.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create the right consistency and adds depth to the chili's flavor.

Stepwise Instructions for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic.

Let them dance and soften, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat turns a golden brown and loses its raw appearance.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Move the perfectly browned turkey and sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker, setting the stage for a flavor-packed meal.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with juices
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Black pepper
• Salt

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour in chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and mingling.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chili reaches a rich, thick consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Tips for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Success

• Use lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that keeps the chili low in fat while maintaining rich flavor.
• Easily substitute kidney and black beans with pinto or white beans based on personal preference or pantry availability.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin amounts to control heat level, adding more for spice lovers or reducing for milder tastes.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep super convenient for busy weeks.
• Sneak extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots into the chili for added nutrition without changing the core flavor profile.

Variations to Change Up Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or extra firm tofu, crumbled and seasoned with similar spices for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Beef Chili Alternative: Swap ground turkey with lean ground beef for a classic chili recipe, maintaining the same slow cooker method and spice blend.
• Chicken Chili Swap: Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a lighter protein option with nearly identical cooking instructions and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free, keeping the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the original recipe's robust taste.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Chili Comfort Companions: Rich toppings transform this turkey chili into a hearty meal perfect for cozy nights.
• Bread Buddies: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty French bread, or garlic toast to soak up delicious chili juices.
• Game Day Delight: Pair with tortilla chips, crisp salad, or nachos for a crowd-pleasing sports watching spread.
• Fresh Finish: Top with diced avocado, green onions, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for bright, zesty flavors that complement the chili's warmth.

Storing Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Stays good for up to 4 months. Leave 1-inch space at the top for expansion.
• Transfer chili to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F throughout.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Rich turkey chili simmers with hearty beans and robust spices for a comforting meal. Home cooks appreciate this easy, flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey

Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Products:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste

Liquid:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatic onions, vibrant green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce ground turkey into the skillet, breaking meat into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Transfer the seasoned turkey and softened vegetables into the slow cooker ceramic insert.
4. Layer kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their rich juices, concentrated tomato paste, and a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt into the slow cooker.
5. Pour chicken broth over the mixture, gently stirring to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and well incorporated.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high setting for 3-4 hours, enabling flavors to meld and develop deep, complex taste profiles.
7. Once cooking is complete, ladle the hearty chili into serving bowls and embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, dollops of tangy sour cream, or freshly chopped cilantro for added brightness and texture.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding extra lean ground turkey or mixing in quinoa for a hearty, filling meal.
• Swap beans for lentils or chickpeas to create a different texture and nutritional profile for those wanting variety.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for heat-loving individuals.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by verifying chicken broth ingredients and using certified gluten-free spices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg