Traditional beef chili always hits the spot, but using ground turkey is our go-to whenever we want to make it just a bit healthier. Turkey is high in lean protein, and its mild taste lets the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and other seasonings take center stage. It also absorbs the savory flavors of tomatoes and beans as it simmers in the slow cooker, resulting in a hearty bowl of turkey chili that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite toppings, cornbread, or a side salad for an easy weeknight dinner, and leftovers go great over baked potatoes or fresh hot dogs made in-house at The Butcher Shop.
How Do You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili?
To make slow cooker turkey chili, brown ground turkey with onions and garlic, then transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and chili seasonings. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, or your favorite chili toppings.
The Butcher Shop’s Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Ingredients:
For the chili:
- 2 pounds TBS ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Sliced green onions
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh lime wedges
Directions:
1. Prep the Turkey and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the turkey is no longer pink and reaches 165°F. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Layer the Slow Cooker
Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cover and Cook
Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.
4. Season and Serve
Stir the chili and taste. Add more salt, chili powder, or cayenne pepper if desired. If you prefer thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker and stir them back into the mixture. Ladle the hot turkey chili into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings. Serve hot.
Butcher’s Tips for Success
- Choose ground turkey with some fat: We’ve found that 93% lean/7% fat is a good balance for flavor and tenderness.
- Bloom the spices: For extra flavor, add the chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the skillet during the last 30 seconds of sautéing the vegetables to release their aromas.
- Adjust the heat gradually: Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper or jalapeño, and increase the spice level after tasting it.
Looking for More Chili Recipes?
Low Carb Chili
White Bean Chicken Chili
Venison Chili
Put Slow Cooker Turkey Chili on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop
Whether you’re warming up after a chilly afternoon, watching the game, or planning a week’s worth of meals, there’s nothing quite like a homemade pot of chili on the table. And it’s even better when you start with fresh, high-quality ingredients from The Butcher Shop.
You’ll find locally sourced, all-natural meats and seafood in our shop. You’ll also find farm-fresh produce, high-quality specialty items, freshly baked bread, and local beers and wine – all at prices that won’t break your budget. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to brown ground turkey before putting it in a slow cooker?
No, but we highly recommend it. Browning develops a richer, more savory flavor, improves the meat’s texture, and helps prevent large clumps from forming. Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before combining it with the other chili ingredients.
What kind of ground turkey works best for chili?
Our team recommends ground turkey with approximately 93% lean meat and 7% fat. This combination provides plenty of protein while keeping enough moisture and flavor for a satisfying chili. Extra-lean ground turkey also works, but you may want to add a little olive oil to keep the meat from drying out.
Can you freeze leftover turkey chili?
Yes! Turkey chili freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal preparation. Once the chili’s cool, transfer it to airtight, freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months for the best quality. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it to 165°F before serving.