Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a very healthy and hearty recipe made with lean ground turkey, an assortment of beans and vegetables.
Ground turkey is a great lean and healthy alternative to ground beef. In most recipes, it can be easily substituted for ground beef. Ground turkey is a bit blander so don’t be shy with the spices. Season this turkey chili recipe to suit your family’s tastebuds. I prefer my chili on the mild side, but if you like a little heat, add extra cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce.
Key Ingredients
I love how easy to make this chili recipe is and full of nutritionally dense ingredients.
- Lean ground turkey – high in protein, fewer calories, and fat than ground beef making it a healthy option for those wishing to reduce red meat.
- Beans – I used a combination of red kidney beans, black beans, Romano and pinto beans.
- Spices and Flavoring – The combination of dried cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano and cocoa will give your turkey chili a bold flavor with a balance of smokiness, earthiness, and heat.
Optional Ingredients
I don’t think I’ve ever made chili the same way twice. So, get creative by adding your own flair to this ground turkey chili recipe.
- Experiment with different types of beans.
- Add a variety of veggies like carrots, sweet potato, celery, zucchini, mushrooms. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale can be stirred in toward the end of cooking.
- Top a bowls of chili with green onions, sour cream, fresh avocado, or cheese.
- Adjust the thickness of the chili by adding extra tomatoes or chicken broth.
Storing
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is perfect for meal prep, weekday meals or even Game Day food. It tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.
Chili freezes well for up to 3 months. If you make a large batch, you can freeze individual portions and defrost them for a quick meal.
A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a fantastic kitchen appliance for making stews, soups and chilis, but the stovetop will also work for this recipe. Simmer in a large pot on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Lean Ground Turkey Recipes
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (28 oz/794ml) diced tomatoes not drained
- 1 can (14oz/398ml) can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14oz/398ml) pinto or Romano beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14oz/398ml) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet heat oil, add the ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper and cook until browned.
- Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Using the same skillet sauté the red pepper, onions, and garlic until slightly tender.
- Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the can of tomatoes, beans and corn to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cumin, cocoa powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or high heat 2-3 hours.
- Serve topped with chopped green onions or garnish of choice.
Nutrition
