Print

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

4.8 from 149 reviews

This Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili is a hearty and healthy dish perfect for any day of the week. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices, it’s slow-cooked to develop deep flavors and a satisfying texture. Topped with shredded cheddar and fresh green onions, this chili combines comfort and nutrition with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Protein

  • 1 tbsp. neutral oil
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 1/2 lb. ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans & Tomatoes

  • 1 (28-oz.) can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Liquids & Seasonings

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano

Garnish

  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
  • Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables and Turkey: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden but not fully cooked. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This step intensifies the chili’s flavor. Once combined, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
  3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Into the slow cooker, add the canned chopped tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, low-sodium chicken broth, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir everything to combine evenly.
  4. Slow Cook the Chili: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours. The chili will thicken and flavors will meld during this time. After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, cheesy finish. Serve hot with your favorite sides or toppings.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños during the sauté step.
  • Using low-sodium broth helps control the salt content, but adjust seasoning to your taste after cooking.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
  • This chili can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: turkey chili, slow cooker chili, healthy chili, ground turkey recipe, easy chili recipe, bean chili, slow cooker dinner