Quick & Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker turkey chili that promises comfort and warmth brings pure culinary joy.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this one-pot wonder designed to satisfy hungry souls.

Lean ground turkey creates a healthier twist on classic chili recipes.

Spices dance together, creating layers of rich, deep flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and robust seasonings.

Minimal preparation means maximum relaxation while this delicious meal simmers to perfection.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this incredibly satisfying dish.

Why Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Is Convenient

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Discover a culinary masterpiece that blends rich curry, creamy coconut, and sweet pumpkin into a symphony of taste sensations.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Create a gourmet-style soup with minimal kitchen skills, requiring just basic chopping and stirring techniques that even novice cooks can master.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort: Enjoy a hearty, wholesome soup loaded with vitamins, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and warming spices that nourish body and soul.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides a healthier alternative to beef and adds protein to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: A flavor base that creates a delicious aromatic foundation for the chili.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color, sweetness, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Provide extra protein, fiber, and a hearty texture to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base with a slight kick of heat.

• Chicken Broth: Helps to create a more liquid consistency and adds depth of flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and helping to prevent sticking.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that gives the chili its classic warm and complex flavor profile.

How To Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their aromatic magic until they become soft and wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Drop ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown, ensuring no pink remains.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Carefully move the sizzling turkey mixture into your slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Add Colorful Veggie Medley

• Diced bell peppers
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Tomato sauce

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Enjoy your incredible turkey chili!

Tips For Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Success

• Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that keeps the chili low in fat.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding jalapeños for spice lovers.
• Enhance flavor by toasting spices in the skillet before adding to the slow cooker, which deepens their aromatic profile.
• Prep ingredients the night before to save morning cooking time, allowing flavors to meld overnight in the refrigerator.
• Freeze leftovers in portions for quick future meals, maintaining the chili's rich taste and texture up to 3 months.

Flavor Variations For Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace ground turkey with extra firm tofu or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced jalapeños, and mix in fresh green chiles for an intense heat level.
• Smoky Beef Chili: Substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef and add a dash of liquid smoke for deep, rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chili: Incorporate oregano, replace black beans with chickpeas, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a unique Mediterranean spin.

Serving Suggestions For Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Gather friends around the table for a hearty dinner party. Serve the turkey chili in large ceramic bowls with a rustic bread basket on the side. Layer toppings in small glass dishes so everyone can customize their meal.
• Set up a chili station during sports events with multiple topping options. Arrange shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped cilantro in colorful small bowls. Provide tortilla chips and cornbread for dipping and added crunch.
• Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for quick lunches during the week. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of Greek yogurt right before eating. Store extra chili in airtight containers and freeze for future easy meals.

How To Store Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Divide chili into individual servings before storing, making reheating and enjoying quick and convenient.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in calories compared to ground beef, making it a healthier protein choice for those watching their fat intake or trying to maintain a balanced diet.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh jalapeños if you want more heat. You can also include hot sauce or red pepper flakes to boost the spice level.

• Are black beans and kidney beans necessary for the recipe?

While you can skip one type of bean, using both provides different textures and additional protein. If you prefer, you can substitute with pinto beans or cannellini beans based on your preference.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty slow cooker turkey chili delivers robust southwestern flavors packed with lean protein and rich spices. Comforting chili warms souls and satisfies hunger with its simple preparation and delightful taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (8 oz/225 g) can of tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they release a fragrant aroma, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Introduce ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
3. Transfer the seasoned turkey mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.
4. Layer diced bell peppers, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker.
5. Carefully pour chicken broth over the ingredients, then sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to incorporate all flavors.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours, enabling the ingredients to meld and develop rich, deep flavors.
7. Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, or freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and texture.
• Reduce spice intensity by cutting cayenne pepper in half or omitting completely for sensitive palates.
• Enhance meal prep by doubling the recipe and freezing extra portions in airtight containers for quick future meals.
• Add unexpected depth by stirring in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder during the last hour of cooking for a rich, complex flavor profile.

• 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: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg