Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly. This healthy dish combines the rich flavors of smoky spices, pinto beans, kidney beans, and chunks of turkey, making it a delightful meal for any family gathering. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, it’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious slow-cooked turkey chili recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This easy slow cooker chili with turkey is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Healthy and low in calories, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
- Loaded with protein from ground turkey and beans.
- Versatile and can be customized to suit your taste buds.
- Perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.
- Kid-friendly and family-approved, great for picky eaters.
- Rich in fibers, keeping you full longer.
- A comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.
- Utilizes ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
This dish falls under the American cuisine category and is an exceptional family-friendly turkey chili slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Gather these items:
- 20 ounces ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 (16-ounce) can Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers
- 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: About halfway through the browning process, add the onion and cook until the turkey is browned and the onion is soft.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, dried marjoram, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook while stirring for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a crockpot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce.
- Step 5: Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle peppers or chili powder.
- Consider using turkey broth for an even richer flavor.
- It’s perfect for meal prep; just store it in airtight containers.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Top with shredded cheese and diced avocado for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
For storage, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This quick turkey chili in slow cooker is perfect for busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
What is slow cooker turkey chili?
Slow cooker turkey chili is a hearty, flavorful dish made with ground turkey, beans, and spices, cooked low and slow for exceptional taste. It’s a healthy alternative to traditional chili.
Can I make slow cooker turkey chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This ground turkey chili slow cooker recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. Just store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker turkey chili?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you brown the turkey properly before adding it to the slow cooker. Also, taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
Creative Variations of Slow Cooker Turkey Chili You Can Try
If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a slow cooker turkey chili with vegetables.
- Spice it up with additional jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy slow cooker turkey chili recipe.
- Substitute ground turkey with lean beef or chicken for a different protein option.
- For a low-calorie twist, reduce the beans and increase the vegetables.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Cranberry Custard Pie!
For more information on the health benefits of beans, visit Healthline.
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: 6 Ingredients for Family Comfort
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This crockpot turkey chili is the perfect balance of smoky warm spices, pinto beans, kidney beans, Rotel tomatoes, and chipotle peppers.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 (16-ounce) can Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1–2 chopped chipotle peppers
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat.
- About halfway through the browning process, add the onion and cook until the turkey is browned and the onion is soft.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, dried marjoram, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook while stirring for 1 minute.
- Transfer the mixture to a crockpot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg