Chili is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table, especially during colder months. A bowl of chili can be hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavors that please everyone at the dinner table. But what if we could take it to the next level with a healthier option? Enter Crock Pot Turkey Chili, a healthy twist on a traditional favorite. This slow cooker recipe is filled with lean ground turkey, beans, and a perfect blend of spices. The beauty of this dish is that it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
What is Crock Pot Turkey Chili?
Crock Pot Turkey Chili is a hearty and healthy variation of the classic chili recipe. Instead of using higher-fat meats like ground beef, this recipe uses lean ground turkey to create a lighter yet equally flavorful version. By using the slow cooker (Crock Pot), the ingredients have time to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that you simply can’t rush. This chili is packed with nutritious ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days, as it cooks itself while you go about your routine.
Origin of Turkey Chili
While chili itself is a classic American dish, its exact origins can be a bit hard to pinpoint. Traditionally, chili originated in Texas and has evolved over the years into numerous variations. Turkey chili emerged as a healthier alternative to the original beef-based version. Over time, people started swapping out ground beef for ground turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining the savory and rich taste of the dish. This variation became especially popular among health-conscious individuals who still wanted to enjoy the deep flavors of chili but without the heaviness.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Turkey Chili
To make this Crock Pot Turkey Chili, you’ll need a variety of fresh and pantry staples that come together to create a dish that is flavorful, hearty, and satisfying. Here is the complete list of ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey – The main protein source, lean turkey keeps this chili light yet filling.
- 1 large onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) – A touch of freshness and crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – For that aromatic base that brings the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing the turkey and vegetables.
Canned Goods:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – The rich tomato base for the chili.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds a chunkier texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Adds fiber and protein.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – A hearty addition with more fiber.
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed – For additional texture and flavor.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles – Brings a bit of spice and tang.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Adds moisture and depth to the chili.
Spices & Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder – The key spice that gives chili its signature flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin – For a warm, earthy flavor.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika – Adds smokiness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A bit of herby freshness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the diced onions.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – For a spicy kick (adjust to your heat preference).
- 1 teaspoon salt – For seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – To balance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds richness and depth.
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh) – Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 square dark chocolate – A surprising ingredient that adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
For Serving:
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds creaminess and a cheesy bite.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – A tangy and creamy topping.
- Chopped green onions – For garnish and a burst of freshness.
- Fresh cilantro – Adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Sliced jalapeños – For those who enjoy a little extra heat.
- Cornbread or crusty bread – The perfect accompaniment to soak up the chili.
- Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime adds brightness.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Making this Crock Pot Turkey Chili is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to prepare it:
1. Prep the Turkey (Optional but Recommended)
While you can toss everything directly into the slow cooker, browning the turkey beforehand adds an extra layer of flavor to the chili. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the ground turkey, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. This should take about 5-6 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the mixture to your Crock Pot.
2. Assemble the Chili in the Crock Pot
Now, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients:
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, green chiles, chicken broth, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper).
- Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Add the tomato paste and mix it thoroughly into the chili mixture.
3. Cook
- High heat: Let the chili cook for 3-4 hours.
- Low heat: Allow it to cook for 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
4. Final Steps
About 30 minutes before serving:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add corn (if using) in the last 30 minutes for extra sweetness and texture.
- If you’re using dark chocolate, add it in the last 15 minutes to enhance the richness of the chili.
Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to come together.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Turkey Chili is versatile, and there are plenty of ways to serve it up:
- Classic Bowl: Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and green onions for a comforting, classic bowl of chili.
- Chili Mac: Pour over cooked macaroni or rice for a delicious twist.
- Loaded Baked Potato: Spoon the chili over baked sweet potatoes for a hearty, fulfilling meal.
- Chili Dogs: Top your hot dogs with this turkey chili for a fun and filling meal.
- Nachos: Pour the chili over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a cheesy, chili-filled nacho treat.
Storage & Meal Prep
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well and can be reheated for several days:
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 4-5 days.
- Freezer: Stores for up to 3 months. Portion it out into individual containers for easy meals throughout the week.
- Reheating: If the chili thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Variations of Crock Pot Turkey Chili
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can always switch things up to suit your tastes:
- White Turkey Chili: Use white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth with cumin and oregano for a lighter version.
- Smoky Chipotle Chili: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Vegetable-Packed Chili: Add diced zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a more veggie-filled chili.
- Three-Bean Chili: Use just three types of beans—kidney, black, and pinto—if you prefer a simpler version.
FAQs About Crock Pot Turkey Chili
1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef if you prefer a richer, more traditional chili flavor. However, this will increase the fat content.
2. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! You can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper, or even some chopped fresh jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
4. Can I freeze this chili?
Yes! This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Turkey Chili is the perfect combination of healthy and comforting. With lean turkey, a variety of beans, and the perfect blend of spices, it’s a dish that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, customizable, and ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week. Whether you serve it with cornbread, on top of a baked potato, or in a hearty bowl with all the toppings, this chili is bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy the hearty, healthy comfort food that is Crock Pot Turkey Chili!
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Crock Pot Turkey Chili Recipe: A Hearty, Healthy Comfort Food for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (or 3 hours 15 minutes)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Turkey Chili is a hearty and healthy variation of the classic chili recipe. Instead of using higher-fat meats like ground beef, this recipe uses lean ground turkey to create a lighter yet equally flavorful version. By using the slow cooker (Crock Pot), the ingredients have time to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that you simply can’t rush. This chili is packed with nutritious ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days, as it cooks itself while you go about your routine.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Canned Goods:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 1 square dark chocolate (for richness)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For Serving:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Cornbread or crusty bread
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Prep the Turkey (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the ground turkey in batches, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer mixture to your crock pot.
Note: You can skip this step and add raw turkey directly to the crock pot, but browning adds extra flavor.
Assemble in Crock Pot:
- Add all remaining ingredients to the crock pot: crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, all beans, green chiles, chicken broth, and all spices.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add tomato paste and mix thoroughly.
Cook:
- High heat: 3-4 hours
- Low heat: 6-8 hours
Final Steps:
- Taste and adjust seasoning about 30 minutes before serving.
- Add corn (if using) in the last 30 minutes.
- Stir in chocolate (if using) in the last 15 minutes for added richness.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Bowl: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions
- Chili Mac: Serve over cooked macaroni or rice
- Loaded Baked Potato: Spoon over baked sweet potatoes
- Chili Dogs: Use as a topping for hot dogs
- Nachos: Pour over tortilla chips with cheese
Storage & Meal Prep:
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 4-5 days
- Freezer: Stores for up to 3 months
- Portion control: Freeze in individual containers for easy meals
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth if chili becomes too thick
Notes
This hearty turkey chili is perfect for make-ahead meals—just store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for an easy reheat later. Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Crock Pot Turkey Chili Recipe
