Crockpot turkey chili is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any family gathering. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory ground turkey with beans and spices, creating a comforting bowl of goodness. It’s healthy, kid-approved, and great for meal prep!
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey, 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 small onion, diced, 1 green bell pepper, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt (or to taste), ½ tsp black pepper, and optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips.
Cooking Tools
You will need a crockpot, a large skillet, a wooden spoon or spatula, a cutting board, and a chef’s knife.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili
Browning the turkey beforehand enhances flavor and texture. Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of chili powder and paprika; you can add cayenne or jalapeños for extra heat. Toppings like cheese or sour cream elevate the dish wonderfully. For sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar. To thicken the chili, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some beans before serving.
Possible Substitutions and Variations
You can substitute ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat for the turkey. For a different flavor, swap kidney beans for pinto or cannellini beans. You can skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version by using extra beans or vegetables.
Make-Ahead Preparation Tips
Prep veggies and spices the night before. You can brown the turkey in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. This makes dinner time a breeze!
Cooking Instructions
First, in a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Then, transfer the browned turkey to the crockpot. Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. Next, set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. Finally, after cooking, stir the chili and serve it in bowls with your choice of toppings.
Leftovers and Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chili in safe containers for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for crockpot turkey chili?
You need ground turkey, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
How long should I cook turkey chili in a crockpot?
You should cook turkey chili in a crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I freeze leftover crockpot turkey chili?
Yes, you can freeze leftover crockpot turkey chili in safe containers for up to 3 months.
What are some great toppings for turkey chili?
Some great toppings for turkey chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and tortilla chips.
How can I adjust the spiciness of my turkey chili?
You can adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of chili powder and paprika or adding cayenne or jalapeños.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, crockpot turkey chili is a must-try! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends with family. For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest page at Artemis Recipes.
Crockpot Turkey Chili: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
Equipment
- crockpot
- large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned turkey to the crockpot. Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
- After cooking, stir the chili and serve in bowls with your choice of toppings.
Notes
– Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of chili powder and paprika; add cayenne or jalapeños for extra heat.
– Toppings like cheese or sour cream enhance the dish.
– For sweetness, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar.
– To thicken the chili, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some beans before serving.