Turkey Chili Crockpot is your go-to solution when you need a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal with minimal effort. This slow-cooked dish combines lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a rich blend of spices into one delicious bowl of comfort. It’s the perfect dinner choice when you want something cozy, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Table of Contents
🍖 Why Turkey Chili is a Great Choice
Here are some reasons why Turkey Chili in the crockpot is a winner:
- Healthy and Lean Protein: Ground turkey is a lean source of protein that’s lower in fat compared to ground beef.
- Easy to Make: Simply add all your ingredients to the crockpot and let it cook. You can set it and forget it until mealtime.
- Full of Flavor: A blend of chili spices, beans, and tomatoes gives the chili an irresistible taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It’s easy to make a large batch and store leftovers for future meals.
- Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or toppings.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For a delicious and filling Turkey Chili Crockpot, gather the following ingredients. This recipe serves about 6 people.
🍲 For the Chili
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ground turkey | 1 lb |
Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
Bell peppers (diced) | 2 (any color) |
Canned diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 oz) |
Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
Kidney beans (drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
Black beans (drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
Canned corn (drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
Chili powder | 2 tbsp |
Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
Paprika | 1 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp (optional) |
👨🍳 How to Make Turkey Chili in the Crockpot
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the turkey to the crockpot.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the turkey is cooking, dice the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Add them to the crockpot along with the turkey.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
To the crockpot, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Chili
Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let it cook for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the chili will thicken as it cooks.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chili is done, taste it and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you like a little heat, feel free to add some hot sauce or jalapeños. Serve your turkey chili in bowls, topped with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices.
💡 Tips for the Best Turkey Chili
- Brown the turkey first: Browning the turkey adds extra flavor and helps it maintain a good texture in the chili.
- Use low-sodium broth: This keeps the chili flavorful without too much salt. You can always add more salt to taste later.
- Let it simmer: The longer the chili cooks, the more the flavors will meld. If you have the time, cook it on low for 8 hours for the best flavor.
- Customizable: Add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition. You can also swap the beans or leave them out if you prefer.
- Freeze leftovers: Turkey chili freezes well for future meals. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
🍽️ How to Serve and Store
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Turkey Chili with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice.
- Add some shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra flavor.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Storing Leftovers
- Let the chili cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little extra broth if it thickens too much.
❓ FAQ About Turkey Chili
Can I make this chili without beans?
Yes, you can omit the beans for a low-carb version, or use more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to bulk it up.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe is mild, but you can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños to give it an extra kick.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken will work as a substitute for turkey, and the chili will still taste great.
How do I make the chili thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chili, let it cook uncovered for the last hour or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) to thicken it.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.
🏁 Conclusion
This Turkey Chili Crockpot recipe is a fantastic, healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With lean ground turkey, nutritious beans, and loads of spices, you’ll have a delicious bowl of chili ready in no time. Whether you enjoy it as is or add your favorite toppings, this chili will quickly become a family favorite.
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