Delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe for Everyone
Step right up, culinary adventurers! If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy chili recipe, you’re in the right place. Allow me to present to you Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe. This sweet and spicy concoction is a perfect way to warm your belly on a cool evening or spice up your lunch break with something other than sandwiches. Trust me, this turkey chili recipe is so easy that it doesn’t take any ingredient you wouldn’t already have in your pantry!
To top it all off, this turkey chili features nutrient-packed ingredients like lean ground turkey, red kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Plus, it’s monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) that will keep you fuller longer.
Are you hungry yet? Scroll down below for the full recipe and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why you’re going to love Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe. This hearty and healthy turkey chili is perfect for a cozy night in, a dinner party with friends, or meal preparation for the week. With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and versatile toppings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that won’t disappoint.
Now, you may be thinking, “I’m not really a chili person.” But let me tell you, this turkey chili recipe is like no other. With its unique blend of spices including ground allspice, cumin, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, your taste buds will dance with excitement. And if you’re looking for a milder flavor, simply adjust the spice levels to your liking.
This slow cooker turkey chili recipe is also great for those who are health-conscious. It includes lean protein from ground turkey and fiber-rich beans such as black and kidney beans. Plus, with the option to substitute low-sodium tomato soup and use nonfat sour cream and low-fat cheddar cheese for toppings, this recipe can be modified to fit any dietary restrictions.
And let’s talk about convenience. This recipe throw together quickly in the morning with minimal prep work then just throw it in your slow cooker and forget it for four hours while cooking. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it tastes even better the next day so don’t forget to save some leftovers for a great meal later.
So why wait? Give Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe a try and experience the savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you will need to make Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans low-sodium tomato soup
- 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- â…› teaspoon ground allspice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Toppings and Sides (Optional)
- Low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- Nonfat sour cream
- Corn, canned or frozen
Be sure to purchase quality ingredients for the best results. You can easily find everything you need in your regular grocery store. Don’t forget to double-check your pantry beforehand to ensure you have everything on hand.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part — cooking the turkey chili. Don’t worry, it’s fairly easy to throw together in a slow cooker. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans low sodium tomato soup
- 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- Optional toppings: nonfat sour cream and low-fat cheddar cheese
Step by Step Instruction:
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Heat up a skillet on medium heat with one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place one pound of ground turkey on the skillet and brown it by cooking for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Place two (10.75 ounce) cans of low-sodium tomato soup and two (15 ounce) cans of drained kidney beans into the slow cooker.
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Add chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and allspice into the mixture in the slow cooker.
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Mix all ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.
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Pour the browned ground turkey and any liquid from the skillet into the slow cooker.
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Add two (15 ounce) cans of undrained diced tomatoes and one can of drained corn to the slow cooker as well.
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Mix everything together until every ingredient is thoroughly combined.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours.
Pro Tip: To save time in your busy schedule, you can easily prepare this chili recipe a day ahead of time by throwing everything into your crockpot and forgetting about it until dinner time! It’s so easy that you don’t even need to remember to check in on it throughout the day!
That’s it — your easy chili recipe is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with some delicious nonfat sour cream or low-fat cheddar cheese if desired!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up with Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe? Don’t worry, with a few substitutions and variations, you can create a whole new flavor profile while staying true to the original recipe.
Firstly, if you’re looking for a milder chili, you can decrease or omit the red pepper flakes – this will cut down on the spiciness of the recipe. Alternatively, if you want to turn up the heat, consider adding chopped jalapeño peppers or even habanero peppers.
For those who want to add more vegetables into their diet, try swapping out some of the beans for chopped bell peppers, zucchini or carrots. Similarly, kale or spinach are also great additions to this dish.
If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, feel free to substitute it with ground chicken or a plant-based protein substitute like tofu or tempeh. You could even use leftover shredded chicken from another meal instead of the ground turkey.
Looking for a lower-carb option? Simply omit the corn and reduce the amount of beans in the recipe. Instead, boost up the vegetable content by adding cauliflower rice or diced mushrooms.
Finally, for those cheese-lovers out there, switch up your garnish with different types of cheese! Try mozzarella or queso blanco and enjoy your easy and healthy turkey chili with variations according to your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Whether you are looking for a quick easy chili that is perfect for dinner or a hearty and comforting meal, Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe has got you covered. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family meals, and it can be served year-round.
When serving this delicious chili, there are a variety of toppings and sides that go well with it. It is always a good idea to have some nonfat sour cream and low-fat cheddar cheese on hand to sprinkle on top. This will add extra flavor and creaminess to the dish.
You can also serve this chili with a green salad or some fresh vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. For those who prefer a little more spice, consider adding a few red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices to the dish.
This chili pairs well with a variety of drinks, but we recommend serving it with an IPA beer. The bitterness in the beer complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly. However, if you prefer something non-alcoholic, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade will perfectly complement this dish.
Overall, this recipe offers great flavors that are perfect for those who are health-conscious. It is easy to make and can be served in many ways, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with loved ones.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy culinary explorer, I know firsthand how important it is to have meals that can be made ahead of time and easily reheated to save time in the hustle and bustle of daily life. That’s why this quick slow cooker turkey chili recipe is perfect for meal prep!
To make this recipe even more convenient, I recommend making a double or triple batch to freeze any extra portions. When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade chili, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
When storing leftover chili, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, place it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
For an added twist, I suggest trying a dollop of nonfat sour cream and a sprinkle of low-fat cheddar cheese on top of your bowl of chili. It creates a creamy and flavorful contrast to the spicy warmth of this healthy turkey chili.
Remember, with this easy chili crockpot recipe, you can forget about what’s for dinner and still have a great meal waiting for you when you’re ready!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a culinary explorer, I believe that the ingredients in any dish are just as important as the cooking techniques used to prepare it. Therefore, I have a few tips to ensure that your slow cooker turkey chili recipe turns out perfect every time:
1. Brown the ground turkey first: Before placing the ground turkey in the slow cooker, it’s important to brown it in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. This helps to seal in the juices and adds extra flavor to the chili.
2. Coat the slow cooker with cooking spray: To prevent sticking and make for easy cleaning, coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
3. Mix the ground turkey with tomato sauce: Once you’ve browned the ground turkey, mix it with a can of tomato sauce and spread it evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add beans, onion, diced tomatoes, and corn: Layer 1 can each of drained black beans, drained kidney beans, diced onion, canned diced tomatoes, and canned corn on top of the ground turkey mixture.
5. Use low-sodium or no-salt-added ingredients: To keep this healthy turkey chili recipe low in sodium and more heart-healthy, use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned goods wherever possible.
6. Spices matter: Chili powder is a staple component of virtually every homemade chili recipe because it provides essential heat and depth of flavor. However, an ideal blend of spices like cumin and red pepper flakes also offers a complementary profile by adding complexity without overpowering any individual ingredient.
7. Time frame for slow cooking: Cook on low for 4-6 hours until everything is heated through while stirring occasionally during cooking.
8. Toppings make all the difference: Lastly, don’t forget that toppings like nonfat sour cream and low-fat cheddar cheese can really make this easy chili recipe shine!
Follow my tips above as well as instructions in sections (4) The Recipe How-To; (6) Serving and Pairing; and (7) Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating to ensure you get perfect results each time you try this Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe.
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to section (9) FAQ, where I answer some frequently asked questions about Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe.
Do you have to brown meat before slow cooker chili?
According to the chef, while browning or caramelizing meat before adding it to the slow cooker is not mandatory, it can significantly enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish. The process of caramelization creates a rich and flavorful crust on the meat, which can add depth and richness to the final product. In essence, it is an added step that can take your dish from good to great.
Can you cook chili for too long in slow cooker?
It’s true, it’s possible to overcook chili in a slow cooker. When chili is cooked for an extended period, the meat can become dry and leathery, while the vegetables can become overly soft and form a mushy texture. This can happen if the chili is left to cook for too long or at too high of a temperature. So, it’s important to keep a close eye on your chili when using a crockpot.
How long does chili stay in crockpot?
As a culinary adventurer, I’ve learned that leaving chili in the crockpot on warm for four hours is the maximum time limit before the dish starts to lose its flavor. To ensure that the chili maintains its robust taste, it’s advisable to store it in the refrigerator if you plan to serve it later in the day. Upon reheating, the chili will reinvigorate with its mouthwatering aroma and taste.
What to serve with turkey chili?
As a food enthusiast, I have discovered some amazing dishes that perfectly complement a big bowl of chili. Some of my go-to options include cornbread, corn pudding, sweet potato fries, baked potatoes, soft pretzels, grilled cheese, rice, and potato skins. Each of these dishes has its own unique flavor and texture, making them the ultimate sidekick to a warm and hearty bowl of chili. So, if you’re looking to elevate your chili experience, read on for some delicious suggestions that will surely delight your taste buds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for an easy and healthy way to enjoy delicious homemade chili. This recipe provides a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and veggies that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. With the use of a slow cooker, you can throw all the ingredients in and forget about it until dinner time. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you just don’t have the energy to cook after a long day.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. You can substitute or add different beans, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste buds. Also, you can pair it with nonfat sour cream, low-fat cheddar cheese, or any toppings of your choice for an extra burst of flavor.
Finally, if you’re someone who loves meal prepping, Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe is perfect for making ahead and reheating. It stores well in the freezer and fridge, and re-heats easily without compromising texture or taste.
Overall, this chili recipe is healthy, delicious, easy-to-make, customizable and convenient. Give it a try today for dinner tonight!
Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground turkey, 93% lean
- 6 -8 ounces water
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can low-sodium tomato soup
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground allspice
- salt
- 8 ounces shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 8 tablespoons nonfat sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place turkey in the skillet, and cook until evenly brown. Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray, and scoop turkey in, leaving about 1 tbsp of fat in the skillet. Brown onion in the skillet, 6-8 minutes, then add to slow cooker.
- Mix in water, tomato soup, tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans and corn. Season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, allspice and salt.
- Cover, and cook 8 hours on Low or 4 hours on High.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.