Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker

Try this Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker recipe.

Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker
Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker
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Try this Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker recipe.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Served Person: 8
contains white meat tree nut free nut free contains gluten contains red meat shellfish free contains dairy slow cooker
main dish

Step-by-step

  • Mash bread and milk into a paste in a large bowl using a fork. Mix in ground turkey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper using your hands.
  • Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet or pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Add chili powder, tomato paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook until vegetables are lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
  • Stir in turkey mixture, 1 pound at a time, and cook, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes per pound (break up gently as ground turkey is usually pretty soft, so it doesn't become a "mash").
  • The bottom of your pan may develop a hard crust. Don't worry, just keep cooking everything until the turkey is no longer pink.
  • Transfer the turkey mixture to your slow cooker.
  • In the same skillet you cooked the turkey, turn off the heat and add the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir, scraping up any browned bits or crust. The crust will soften and mix into the tomato sauce. Pour this sauce into the slow cooker.
  • Stir beans, diced tomatoes with juice, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chipotles (if using) into the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook until turkey is tender, 4 to 6 hours on low.
  • Let chili settle for 5 minutes, then remove fat from the surface using a large spoon.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with toppings, if desired.

My Easy Weeknight Turkey Chili

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep everyone (including myself!) fed and happy. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for stress-free dinners.

This Turkey Chili recipe is a perfect example. It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The best part? I can throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning before work, and come home to a warm, comforting meal waiting for us. No more frantic last-minute cooking, no more takeout struggles. Just a delicious, homemade chili that makes everyone happy.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It uses readily available ingredients, most of which I usually have on hand. Ground turkey is leaner than beef, making it a healthier option without compromising on flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that you just wouldn't get with a quicker cooking method.

I've experimented with different chili variations over the years, but this one has become a family favorite. My kids gobble it up, and my husband often compliments me on how "restaurant-quality" it is. Honestly, I'm always looking for ways to streamline my meal prep, and this slow cooker chili fits the bill perfectly.

A Few Tips for Chili Success:

1. Don't be afraid to experiment with toppings! My kids love shredded cheese and sour cream, while my husband prefers a dollop of plain yogurt. Black olives, sliced jalapeños, diced green onions – all great choices!

2. Make it your own! Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Want more heat? Add some extra red pepper flakes. Prefer a sweeter chili? Add a bit more brown sugar. The best part about cooking is that it’s a creative process. Don't hesitate to customize it to your liking.

3. Prep ahead! While this recipe is easy, you can make it even easier by prepping some ingredients the night before. Chop the onions, garlic, and measure out the spices, and then the next morning it is just a matter of pouring the ingredients in.

4. Leftovers are a dream! This chili tastes even better the next day. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This is one of the main reasons why I love slow cooker recipes so much. They work great for me when I don’t have a lot of time!

This Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker recipe isn't just a meal; it’s a time-saver, a flavor booster, and a stress reliever all rolled into one. Give it a try, and I'm confident it'll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • sour cream
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • black olives
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 slices high-quality white or wheat sandwich bread, torn into quarters
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 3 onions, diced (about 3 generous cups)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or 1/4 teaspoon for milder heat)
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 3/4 cups dried beans, soaked and cooked until softened)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth (chicken broth can be substituted)
  • 2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce (optional; 1 teaspoon adobo sauce can be used)
  • Toppings: shredded or cubed cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, diced green onions (including green parts)
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