Best Crockpot Turkey Chili Recipe – Easy & Hearty!
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of chili simmering away in your crockpot. This crockpot turkey chili recipe has become my absolute go-to meal when I need something delicious, filling, and ridiculously easy to throw together.
The best part? You can literally set it and forget it while you go about your day. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this hearty chili delivers every single time!
Why you should try this Turkey Chili Recipe
This crockpot turkey chili recipe stands out because it combines convenience with incredible flavor. Ground turkey keeps things lighter than traditional beef chili while still packing plenty of protein and satisfaction. The slow cooking process allows all the spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating layers of flavor that you just can’t achieve with stovetop cooking.
The texture is absolutely perfect – thick, hearty, and loaded with beans and vegetables. I love that it’s versatile enough to customize based on what you have in your pantry. Plus, it’s budget-friendly without sacrificing taste. This recipe makes a large batch, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
The hands-off cooking method means you can prep everything in the morning and come home to a complete meal. No standing over the stove, no constant stirring, just delicious homemade chili waiting for you.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How To Make My Crockpot Turkey Chili Recipe
- Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer to crockpot: Move the turkey mixture to your crockpot. This browning step adds so much depth of flavor to your chili!
- Add vegetables and beans: Toss in the diced bell peppers, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything together so it’s evenly distributed.
- Pour in liquids: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Season generously: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are well incorporated throughout the chili.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Final adjustments: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator storage: Let the chili cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get better after a day or two!
- Freezer storage: This crockpot turkey chili recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions.
- Quick reheating: For refrigerated chili, simply microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or warm on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
Benefits Of This Recipe
- Lean protein source: Ground turkey is significantly lower in fat than beef while still providing plenty of protein to keep you satisfied for hours.
- Fiber-packed: With three different types of beans and plenty of vegetables, this chili delivers a serious fiber boost that supports digestive health.
- Budget-friendly: Ground turkey and canned beans are affordable ingredients that stretch far, making this perfect for feeding families without breaking the bank.
- Meal prep champion: Make one batch and you’ve got lunches or dinners sorted for the entire week. It’s a massive time-saver for busy schedules.
- Nutrient-dense: Packed with vitamins from the bell peppers, tomatoes, and beans, plus minerals like iron and potassium. It’s comfort food that actually nourishes your body.
- Customizable heat level: Easily adjust the spiciness to suit your preferences or accommodate different family members’ tastes.
Pitfalls To Watch Out For
- Skipping the browning step: I know it’s tempting to throw everything raw into the crockpot, but browning the turkey first adds essential flavor and better texture. Don’t skip it!
- Using too much liquid: Crockpots don’t allow much evaporation, so resist adding extra broth. You can always thin it out later if needed, but fixing watery chili is much harder.
- Adding dairy too early: If you want to stir in sour cream or cheese, do it right before serving. Adding it during cooking can cause curdling.
- Not draining the beans: The liquid in canned beans can make your chili too thin and add unnecessary sodium. Always drain and rinse them first.
- Forgetting to taste before serving: Slow cooking can mellow spices, so always taste and adjust seasonings at the end for the best flavor.
Alternatives
- Protein swaps: Try ground chicken for an even leaner option, or use ground beef if you prefer traditional chili. Vegetarians can substitute crumbled tempeh or extra beans.
- Bean variations: Swap in pinto beans, white beans, or chickpeas based on what you have available. Each brings a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Vegetable additions: Add corn, zucchini, or diced carrots for extra nutrition and color. Sweet potato chunks make it even heartier and add natural sweetness.
- Spice alternatives: Use a pre-made chili seasoning packet if you’re short on individual spices. Just watch the sodium content and adjust salt accordingly.
- Tomato substitutes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth, while crushed tomatoes create a thicker consistency. Use what you prefer or have on hand.
- Liquid options: Beef broth adds richer flavor, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter. You can even use beer for an adult twist on this crockpot turkey chili recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping Up
This crockpot turkey chili recipe has earned its place as a regular in my meal rotation, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. The combination of convenience, nutrition, and incredible flavor makes it perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or feeding a crowd. I love how forgiving and adaptable this recipe is – you can make it your own while still getting consistently delicious results.
The beauty of slow cooker meals is that they fit seamlessly into any schedule. Spend just 15 minutes in the morning prepping, and you’ll come home to a house filled with mouthwatering aromas and a complete meal ready to serve. Plus, with all those leftovers, you’re setting yourself up for easy meals throughout the week.
Give this recipe a try and see why it’s become such a staple! Your family will love it, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to make something this tasty and satisfying.
Crockpot Turkey Chili Recipe
Equipment
- 1 crockpot
- 1 medium skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.2 pounds ground turkey, 2 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic
- Transfer to crockpot: Move the turkey mixture to your crockpot. This browning step adds so much depth of flavor to your chili!
- Add vegetables and beans: Toss in the diced bell peppers, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything together so it’s evenly distributed.1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- Pour in liquids: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.2 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes, 1 can 6 oz tomato paste, 2 cups chicken broth
- Season generously: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are well incorporated throughout the chili.3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Final adjustments: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips
