Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor?
Crock Pot Turkey Chili is the perfect solution! This recipe combines tender turkey, a medley of vegetables, and a rich blend of spices, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a cozy dinner idea, this turkey chili is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why Crock Pot Turkey Chili is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting: The combination of tender turkey, rich spices, and a medley of vegetables creates a hearty and comforting chili that’s perfect for any meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: You can customize the spiciness and ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to please.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This chili is a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, ensuring that everyone will enjoy its delicious flavors.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is the star of this recipe, providing a lean and protein-packed base. You can use ground chicken as a substitute if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans.
Beans
Kidney beans and black beans add a hearty and nutritious element to the chili. You can use other varieties of beans like pinto beans or cannellini beans if you prefer.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes provide a rich and tangy base for the chili. You can use fresh diced tomatoes if you prefer, but canned tomatoes are more convenient and consistent in flavor.
Spices
The blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder creates the rich and aromatic flavor profile of the chili. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences or use a pre-made chili seasoning blend for convenience.
How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Chili (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. This step ensures that the turkey is fully cooked and ready to be added to the crock pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to the chili.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cooked turkey and vegetables to your crock pot. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), diced green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. This step ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is thick and flavorful. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to achieve a rich and hearty consistency.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced avocado. This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the chili even more enjoyable.
Crock Pot Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground turkey
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz/425g kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz/425g black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz/425g diced tomatoes
- 1 can 4 oz/113g diced green chilies
- 1 cup 240ml chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked turkey and vegetables to your crock pot. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), diced green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is thick and flavorful.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced avocado. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the ground turkey is fully cooked and browned before adding it to the crock pot.
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and paprika.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans.
Expert Tips for Success
- Fully Cook the Turkey: Ensure the ground turkey is fully cooked and browned before adding it to the crock pot. This helps to achieve a rich and flavorful base for the chili.
- Adjust Spiciness: You can adjust the spiciness of the chili by adding more or less chili powder and paprika. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots to the chili for added flavor and nutrition.
- Thicken the Chili: If the chili is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by removing the lid and allowing it to simmer uncovered for the last hour of cooking.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
- Low-Carb: For a lower-carb version, omit the beans and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chili for an extra spicy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the chili for an herbal note.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a cheesy and creamy twist.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crock Pot Turkey Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the chili is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze the chili for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled chili to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of water or broth to help retain moisture during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Crock Pot Turkey Chili pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich and flavorful chili.
- Salad: A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Crock Pot Turkey Chili, you might also like:
- Classic Beef Chili: A hearty and flavorful chili made with ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices.
- Vegetarian Chili: A meatless chili packed with vegetables, beans, and a medley of spices.
- White Chicken Chili: A creamy and comforting chili made with chicken, white beans, and a blend of aromatic spices.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Turkey Chili is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich blend of spices, tender turkey, and medley of vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Jack is a BBQ enthusiast and expert in comfort foods. His passion for grilling and hearty meals has made him a favorite among meat lovers. With over 12 years of experience in grilling and smoking meats, Jack’s recipes focus on rich flavors and perfecting classic dishes. Jack is a regular contributor to grilling magazines and often participates in national BBQ competitions.