Hey there! Let me tell you—this Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili is one of my absolute go-to recipes, especially on chilly evenings or busy weekdays. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, but here’s the best part—it’s crazy easy to make. You just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. The ground turkey keeps it lighter than traditional chili, but it’s still so satisfying that even picky eaters (yes, kids!) will ask for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for the week, this chili is a total win.
Let’s get cooking!
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
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips
Tools
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Pro Tips
- Pre-cook the turkey: Browning the ground turkey in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot adds a deeper flavor and better texture.
- Adjust spice levels: For a kid-friendly version, use less chili powder and paprika. Want it spicier? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- Don’t skip the toppings: A sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream makes this chili next-level delicious (and more fun for the kiddos).
- Add some sweetness: If you like a hint of sweetness in your chili, stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar.
- Thicken it up: If you prefer thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
Possible Substitutions and Variations
- No turkey? Use ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Bean swap: Don’t have kidney beans? Substitute pinto or cannellini beans instead.
- Make it veggie: Skip the meat and add an extra can of beans, or toss in diced sweet potatoes or zucchini.
- Broth options: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can prep all your veggies and spices the night before and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Brown the turkey ahead of time and refrigerate it so you can toss everything into the crockpot in the morning without a fuss.
Instructions
1. Brown the Turkey
In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until fully browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot
Transfer the browned turkey to your crockpot. Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
3. Cook
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours). Stir occasionally if possible.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, give it a good stir. Serve the chili in bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Chili freezes beautifully! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Time to Make Your New Favorite Chili!
There you have it—a simple, delicious Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili that your whole family will love. It’s hearty, healthy, and so easy to customize. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, tweaks, or any questions. Happy cooking! 🍲
