Name: Crockpot Turkey Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490054H29M2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb lean ground turkey; 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 28 oz can diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 bay leaf; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

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There’s something magical about walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of Crockpot Turkey Chili simmering away. The rich scent of savory spices envelops you, making your mouth water in anticipation. Picture thick, hearty chili bubbling softly, its vibrant reds, greens, and browns creating a feast for the eyes. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or game day gatherings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Chili
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Turkey Chili

I remember the first time I discovered this recipe—it was a late autumn evening, and my friends were diving into a marathon of football games. I wanted to create something that would warm not just their bellies but also their spirits. This Crockpot Turkey Chili was my answer. With each scoop, we’d swap stories and laugh, the flavors getting richer with every bite. I invite you to try this recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and dinner will be waiting for you in a few hours.
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy layers of spices, tender veggies, and juicy turkey that meld beautifully together.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright colors and a thick texture make this chili delightfully enticing in any bowl.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner, game-day snack, or cozy movie night with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free and even dairy-free, so everyone can enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the turkey and veggies, giving a perfect flavor base.
Lean Ground Turkey: The star protein, it’s healthy and tender, absorbing all those delicious spices. For a spicier version, try using ground turkey with a higher fat content.
Onion: A must for aromatic depth; you can use yellow, white, or even red onions for a hint of sweetness.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds fragrance and warmth; feel free to substitute with garlic powder if that’s all you have.
Red & Green Bell Peppers: These colorful additions bring crunch and sweetness. You can mix and match with yellow or even jalapeños for heat.
Diced Tomatoes (28 oz can): The foundation of the chili, providing acidity and moisture. Choose fire-roasted for an extra layer of flavor.
Chicken Broth: To create a delicious, well-seasoned base while keeping the chili juicy. For a vegetarian or vegan option, use vegetable broth.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, enhancing the overall richness.
Chili Powder: Essential for that signature chili taste. You can adjust based on your spice preference, or try a mix of sweet and spicy chili powders for complexity.
Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the turkey beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Imbues a subtle smokiness that rounds out the spice blend; regular paprika works too, but the smokiness is worth it.
Dried Oregano: Introduces a fragrant herbal note, essential for balance.
Garlic Powder: A great complement to fresh garlic, it deepens the flavors.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch adds that touch of excitement; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, always taste and adjust to your liking.
Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor while it simmers. Be sure to remove it before serving!
Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they add protein and fiber to keep you full.
Dark Red Kidney Beans: Another hearty bean that offers texture and a slight sweetness.
Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans add a nice contrast and boost the protein content.

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Chili

Heat and Sauté: Start your journey by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground turkey along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally, breaking up the turkey as it turns golden brown. This step brings out the flavors beautifully. Once browned, transfer everything to your slow cooker.

Mix Ingredients: Into the slow cooker, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Mix them all well until combined. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering!

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on Low for about 6 to 8 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours. Let it simmer patiently until the chili becomes thick and the veggies are tender. This cooking method allows those tantalizing flavors to meld together.

Add Beans: During the last hour of cooking, stir in the rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. This timing ensures they warm through perfectly without losing their shape or texture. Your kitchen will be enveloped in a symphony of delightful scents!

Serve It Up: Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls. Now comes the fun part—top your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. Each spoonful will be a delightful blend of heat, savory goodness, and that satisfying crunch from toppings.

Storing & Reheating

Crockpot Turkey Chili can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating in an airtight container. Once in the fridge, it remains good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to savor it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat on the stove over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or microwave in intervals until heated through. Remember, the texture might change a bit after freezing, but a quick stir while reheating can help refresh the flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the turkey; it can dry out if browned too long. Aim for just golden.
If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
You can make this chili a day ahead; the flavors deepen as it sits!
Experiment with toppings; avocado or corn chips can add an extra fun twist.
For more kick, consider adding a chipotle in adobo sauce; it’ll elevate your chili to another level!

This Crockpot Turkey Chili is a delightful dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to any meal. It’s a recipe you can easily personalize, so don’t hesitate to play around with the beans or spices. Each batch will be a little different, each flavor shining through like cozy memories.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this chili in the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make it on the stovetop, simply brown the turkey, onion, and garlic in a large pot. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and flavors meld.

Can I make this turkey chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based ground “meat” or simply add more beans and veggies. Just make sure to replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

What can I serve with this chili?

This chili pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or even over rice. You can also toss a simple salad on the side for some freshness. Don’t forget, a side of tortilla chips for dipping adds a nice crunch!

How spicy is this chili?

This Crockpot Turkey Chili is moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat level. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and consider using sweet bell peppers. For a kick, add more cayenne or toss in some diced jalapeños. Adjust it to suit your taste!