Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is easy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and simple spices. You just brown the meat, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it cook. The result is a rich, thick chili that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends.

Easy Turkey Chili Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is ideal for busy people who still want a home cooked meal. It’s simple, filling, and uses everyday ingredients.

You don’t have to babysit the stove or wash a pile of dishes. Just set it and let it cook.

It’s also a crowd pleaser. Whether for family dinner or a game day, everyone can top their bowl their way.

And leftovers make great lunches or freezer meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients for this recipe. Most are pantry staples.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean works well)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup chicken broth or water

You can swap or adjust ingredients if needed:

• Use pinto beans instead of kidney beans.
• Add corn or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky taste.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This recipe takes only about 10 minutes of prep. Then the slow cooker does the rest.

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey. Cook until no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any extra fat.

Browning helps build flavor and keeps the meat from tasting bland later.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Add the cooked turkey to your slow cooker. Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and seasonings. Stir everything well.

Pour in the chicken broth to thin it slightly. Mix again so all the ingredients combine evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook It

Cover the slow cooker.

• Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or
• Cook on High for 3–4 hours.

That’s it. No stirring or checking needed. The slow cooker will blend the flavors together and make the turkey tender.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

Once done, taste the chili. Add more salt or spice if you like. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

Serve it hot in bowls with your favorite toppings.

Topping Ideas

Toppings make chili more fun and flavorful. Here are a few ideas:

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges
• Crushed tortilla chips

Mix and match your favorites. Each topping adds a new texture or flavor.

Recipe Tips and Variations

You can adjust this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili to fit your taste.

For thicker chili:
Mash a few beans with a spoon or remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This helps reduce liquid.

For spicier chili:
Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or an extra jalapeño.

For milder chili:
Skip the jalapeños and cut back on chili powder.

For creamy chili:
Stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese or Greek yogurt before serving.

For more vegetables:
Add corn, carrots, or zucchini. They cook well in the slow cooker.

If you like a smoky flavor, try a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This chili goes well with many sides.

Here are a few simple options:

• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread balances the spice in the chili.
• Rice: Serve the chili over white or brown rice to make it more filling.
• Tortilla chips: Great for dipping or adding crunch.
• Baked potatoes: Pour the chili over a baked potato for a hearty meal.
• Salad: A light green salad works well to balance the rich flavors.

If you’re feeding a crowd, serve the chili in a slow cooker buffet with different toppings and sides.

Nutrition Benefits

This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s good for you too.

Here’s why:

• Ground turkey is lean and high in protein. It has less fat than beef.
• Beans add fiber and complex carbs. They help you stay full longer.
• Tomatoes and peppers provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and color.
• Spices like cumin and chili powder add flavor without extra calories.

It’s a great meal if you want comfort food that’s still balanced and wholesome.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This chili tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen as it sits.

To store:

• Let the chili cool completely.
• Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Or freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

• Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
• Or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

If the chili thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes. Ground beef works well. Just drain the extra fat after browning.

2. Can I make it without beans?
Yes. Skip the beans and add more vegetables like corn or diced bell peppers.

3. How do I make it less spicy?
Use mild chili powder and skip the jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

4. Can I cook it on the stove instead?
Yes. After browning the turkey, add all ingredients to a large pot. Simmer on low heat for about 45–60 minutes. Stir occasionally.

5. Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes. Combine all ingredients (except broth) in a zip-top bag and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, dump it into the slow cooker with the broth and cook as usual.

6. How do I thicken the chili?
Mash some beans or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Want to change things up? Try these ideas:

• Serve chili over baked sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory mix.
• Make chili nachos with tortilla chips and melted cheese.
• Use it as a topping for hot dogs or fries.
• Spoon it into a tortilla with rice and cheese for a quick burrito.

These small changes keep the meal exciting even when you make it often.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a simple and dependable recipe for any time of year. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to make. You only need one pan for prep and one pot for cooking.

If you want a meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen but didn’t this is it.

Try this recipe the next time you need something warm and hearty. Serve it with cornbread or over rice, and enjoy a bowl of comfort that fits your schedule.

If you liked this recipe, check out Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup or Crock Pot Angel Chicken next.