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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Transfer the seasoned turkey mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.
- Layer diced bell peppers, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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