If you are searching for a hearty, comforting meal that warms you up from the inside out while being wholesome and packed with flavor, this Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining lean ground turkey with vibrant veggies, rich spices, and colorful beans, the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying chili that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the workweek ahead, this recipe brings together the beauty of convenience and the joy of homemade goodness in one pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe lies in its use of straightforward, wholesome ingredients that build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the lean turkey giving you protein to the beans and veggies adding heartiness and freshness, every component matters and comes together effortlessly.
- Olive oil: This provides the perfect base for browning turkey and developing depth in flavor.
- Lean ground turkey (98%): A healthy, protein-packed alternative to beef that keeps the chili light yet satisfying.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth to every bite.
- Chopped red pepper: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Minced garlic: Adds that classic punch of savory flavor.
- Chili seasoning packet (or homemade): The magic blend that defines the chili’s bold, spicy character.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of acidity and freshness.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy base that binds all ingredients together.
- Black beans in chili sauce: Impart smoky depth and creamy texture; regular black beans work too.
- Red kidney beans: Offer hearty chunks and a lovely color contrast.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and enhances the savory notes.
- Frozen corn: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch for textural variety.
- Your favorite chili toppings: Think sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, or crunchy corn chips to customize every bowl.
How to Make Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. The goal here is to get a nice light browning to enhance that savory meatiness, which lays a flavorful foundation for the chili. This step also seals in the turkey’s juices so it stays tender throughout the long slow-cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Seasoning
Next, toss in the diced yellow onion and chopped red pepper right into the skillet with the browned turkey. Cook these together for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and chili seasoning, allowing them to bloom for about 30 seconds. This unlocks the aromatic oils and deepens the chili’s signature spice combo. Once everything smells irresistible, transfer the mixture into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine the Remaining Ingredients and Slow Cook
Pour in the petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans in chili sauce, drained kidney beans, chicken broth, and frozen corn to the slow cooker. Give it a good stir so all the ingredients mingle and the seasoning distributes evenly. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, letting those flavors meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, the HIGH setting for 4 hours works just as well, but low and slow is best for that tender, upgraded flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
When your kitchen fills with the warm aroma of chili, peel back the lid and give it one final stir. Ladle generous portions into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer creamy sour cream, sharp shredded cheese, fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or crunchy corn chips, the toppings take this Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is the secret to turning a great chili into an unforgettable meal. Dollops of sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack infuse creaminess and richness. Fresh avocado or cilantro brings a burst of brightness and freshness, while crushed corn chips add delightful crunch and texture contrasts. These little extras make each bite exciting and personalized.
Side Dishes
Chili is fantastic on its own but pairing it with certain sides elevates the experience. Warm cornbread or crusty bread balances the spice with a tender crumb. A simple green salad adds refreshing crispness and lightens the meal. You could even serve chili over cooked rice or alongside tortilla chips for scooping—easy reliability that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Serve the Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe in mini pumpkin bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, festive touch. You can make chili nachos by layering chili over tortilla chips with plenty of melted cheese and toppings, turning it into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party dish. Alternatively, stuff baked potatoes with chili and your favorite garnishes for a cozy, hands-on meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled longer. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture remains hearty and rich, making for an ideal quick meal later on.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe on hand longer, freezing is a stellar option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving room for expansion. Properly frozen chili will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, ready to provide comfort whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to ensure even warming without drying it out. If the chili seems thick, adding a splash of broth or water can help regain that perfect chili consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular ground turkey instead of 98% lean?
Absolutely! While 98% lean ground turkey makes this chili lighter and less greasy, regular ground turkey will work fine too—you might get a slightly richer flavor and more moisture.
Is it necessary to cook the turkey before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the turkey first enhances both flavor and texture. It also ensures the meat is properly cooked by the end, as raw turkey in a slow cooker may result in a different consistency.
What can I substitute for the chili seasoning packet?
You can easily use a homemade chili spice mix including chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to customize the heat and flavor to your liking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or double up on beans and vegetables for a protein-packed vegetarian chili that’s just as hearty.
How spicy is this Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe?
The chili seasoning gives it a mild to medium spice level that most people enjoy. You can always add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is a game changer for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal without a lot of fuss. It’s a fantastic example of how simple ingredients slow-cooked to perfection can turn into something truly special. Grab your slow cooker, gather the essentials, and treat yourself to this heartwarming dish — you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners. Made with lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, beans, and a blend of chili spices, it’s slow-cooked to perfection for tender, melded flavors. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, this chili is comforting and packed with protein while being lower in fat than traditional beef chili.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds 98% lean ground turkey
- 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 (1-oz) packet chili seasoning or homemade chili seasoning
- 1 (14.5-oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15.5-oz) can black beans in chili sauce (not drained; regular black beans can be used if chili beans unavailable)
- 1 (15-oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
Toppings (optional)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Cilantro
- Corn chips
Instructions
- Brown turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground turkey and cook until it begins to brown, breaking up the meat with a spoon to crumble evenly.
- Cook aromatics: Add 1 cup of diced yellow onion and 1 chopped red pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and the 1-ounce chili seasoning packet, cooking for another 30 seconds to release aromas. Remove from heat.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into a roughly 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans with chili sauce, drained kidney beans, chicken broth, and frozen corn to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow cook the chili: Cover and cook the chili on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender.
- Serve: After cooking, open the slow cooker lid and stir the chili well. Serve hot topped with your favorite chili toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and corn chips.
Notes
- You can make your own chili seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for a fresher taste.
- Using 98% lean ground turkey helps keep the chili lower in fat but still flavorful.
- Do not drain black beans in chili sauce to retain extra flavor and spice.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce excess liquid.
- Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes great for up to 3 months.
