Slow Cooker Smoky Turkey Chili
Assemble this slow cooker smoky turkey chili ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook: thaw, dump it in the slow cooker, push 'start' and walk away. So easy!
Assemble this slow cooker smoky turkey chili ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook: thaw, dump it in the slow cooker, push 'start' and walk away. So easy!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups onion (chopped)
- 1.5 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 2 carrot (chopped)
- 2 celery (chopped)
- 11 oz can of corn (drained)
- 19 oz can kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
- 2 chipotle peppers (chopped)
- 4 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles)
- 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 23 ml tomato sauce (i used two 13.5 oz/398 ml cans)
- Carbohydrate 2.55884041766863 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.245589583657593 g
- Fiber 0.70991668401666 g
- Protein 0.403190000209148 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0413482083915722 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (314g)
- Sodium 11.2485833529913 mg
- Sugar 1.84892373365197 g
- Trans Fat 0.0432078333850231 g
- Calories 12 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook ground turkey in a large pan over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces, until no pink remains (5-8 minutes)
- Place all ingredients in a 5 quart slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours
- To assemble ahead & freeze: Place all ingredients except the diced tomatoes & tomato sauce in a gallon-sized heavy duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw completely before placing in a 5 quart slow cooker with the diced tomatoes & tomato sauce and cooking on low for 8 hours.
My Go-To Slow Cooker Smoky Turkey Chili: A Busy Mom's Best Friend
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early mornings, school drop-offs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of homework, dinner prep, and bedtime stories, finding time for anything beyond the bare essentials feels like a luxury. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – especially this smoky turkey chili. It's my secret weapon for consistently delicious, healthy, and stress-free dinners.
This chili isn't just convenient; it's incredibly versatile. I love that I can make a big batch on the weekend, freeze portions for those crazy busy weeks, and then just pop it in the slow cooker on a weeknight. The smoky flavor is addictive, and my kids gobble it up without complaint. It’s also easily customizable. Sometimes I add a can of black beans for extra protein, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving for a pop of freshness. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required. Everything goes into the slow cooker – turkey, onions, carrots, celery, beans, spices – and the magic happens on its own. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and deeply satisfying chili. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, and it's so much healthier than takeout.
Beyond the practicalities, this chili holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of cozy nights spent with my family, the aroma filling the house with warmth and the promise of a delicious meal. It's a dish that brings us together, a symbol of our shared time and cherished memories. And the best part? Knowing that even on my busiest days, I can still provide my family with a hearty, healthy, and delicious dinner, without compromising on quality or time.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple cooking and the joy of sharing a home-cooked meal with loved ones. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time for a little comfort and connection. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember this chili. It's the ultimate time-saver, flavor-booster, and family-pleaser, a true lifesaver for busy moms everywhere.
I encourage you to experiment with different combinations of beans and spices to find your perfect flavor profile. This recipe is your base; feel free to add your personal touch and create a dish that is uniquely yours.
And lastly, remember that cooking shouldn't be a chore; it should be an act of love. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and cherish the moments spent creating delicious memories in your kitchen.
