As the weather gets colder and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing quite like a warm and hearty bowl of chili to satisfy your cravings. And what better way to make it than in a slow cooker, where the flavors have time to develop and the meat becomes tender and juicy? This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and it never fails to impress. Not only is it delicious and comforting, but it’s also a healthy and easy meal to make. In this article, I’ll share with you my personal experience with this recipe and why it has become a go-to for me and my family.
Why This Recipe Works
There are many reasons why this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe stands out among others. Here are just a few:
- The use of lean ground turkey instead of beef makes it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender, resulting in a rich and hearty chili.
- This recipe is versatile and can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
- It’s a one-pot meal, making clean-up a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 6 and takes about 15 minutes to prep and 4-6 hours to cook in the slow cooker.
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked turkey to the slow cooker along with the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper.
- Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once done, give the chili a stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro tip: For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeno or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chili.
My Pro Tips for Success
- For a thicker chili, add a can of tomato paste or reduce the amount of chicken broth.
- If you prefer a chunkier chili, leave the beans whole instead of mashing them.
- To save time, you can also use pre-cooked ground turkey or leftover turkey from a previous meal.
- This chili can also be made on the stovetop if you don’t have a slow cooker. Simply cook the ingredients in a pot over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What I Serve With This Recipe
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado for a creamy and indulgent twist.
- Serve with a side of cornbread or crackers for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef will give the chili a richer and heartier flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, this chili freezes well and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal later on.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply omit the ground turkey and add extra beans or your choice of protein substitute.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe is not only delicious and comforting, but it’s also a healthier option compared to traditional beef chili. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Your Turn
Now it’s your turn to give this recipe a try! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Feel free to share your experience and any variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: A Healthy and Hearty Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping
- Sour cream for topping
- Diced avocado for topping
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked turkey to the slow cooker along with the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper.
- Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once done, give the chili a stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado. Enjoy!
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