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Healthy, delicious Turkey Chili In The Crockpot is easy to make. Slow cooked to perfection, filling and hearty.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Turkey Chili In The Crockpot
Perfect for meal prep. This recipe makes a lot of cozy chili. You can use it for meal prep, freeze the leftovers or feed a few people at a dinner party (always a favorite for my guests!). I also love to make my Buffalo Chicken Pasta for entertaining as well.
This chili is nourishing, full of fiber and has less fat than most. It is full of veggies so you can be sure you are getting a good dose of plants. It is also low in fat when using a lean ground meat.
Easily customize this recipe and add in your favorite veggies, there are several add in options like corn, mushrooms, bell peppers and more.
Ingredients For This Recipe
Lean Ground Turkey. This is the protein to add to the chili.
Canned Stewed/Crushed Tomatoes. You can also use whole tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes, this is a texture preference to make your choice! You will find this in the pasta sauce aisle.
Canned Diced Tomatoes. This is also in the pasta sauce aisle. These add a different texture to the chili.
Canned Beans. I use a mix of black bean, pintos or kidney beans. You can really use any combination you prefer.
Zucchini. This is the perfect texture for the chili. You will love the veggie in each bite and it adds to the flavor of the ground turkey.
Seasonings. Chili, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper.
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
Lean Ground Turkey. You can use lean ground beef or chicken if you prefer.
Canned Tomatoes. You can use different variations of canned tomatoes. Just be sure you have enough of them to make the chili. You can use all diced canned tomatoes or all crushed, I prefer the blend for different textures and flavors.
Zucchini. You can use mushrooms, corn, diced bell peppers to add more veggies.
Worcestershire Sauce. You can also use soy sauce. This adds a little level of flavor you will enjoy either way.
How To Make Turkey Chili In The Crockpot
Step One. In a large skillet, add a spritz of oil and cook the ground turkey. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp pepper to the meat. Brown for about 4-6 minutes (photo 1). Set it aside. Turn the crockpot on high.
Step Two. Add the canned tomatoes, rinsed beans, Worcestershire sauce, diced jalapeño, canned green chiles, onions, seasonings, zucchini and other veggies (if using others) to the crockpot. Stir well. Add the ground meat to the mix (photo 2). Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. Taste the mix and decide if you need to add some more chili powder, salt or oregano. You can cook this on low for up to 6 hours and it will still be delicious.
Step Three. Once the chili has simmered and cooked add it to bowls with choice of toppings and enjoy!
Topping Ideas: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, salsa, corn chips, avocado slices, green onions, sour cream and more! This chili is great with Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze these for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, make this chili ahead of time! I like to make it the day before or night before I plan to eat it. It’s wonderful reheated!
Yes! if you want to make this chili without beans, use extra veggies in place like bell peppers, mushrooms, corn and more.
Recipe Tips
Taste as you go. Be sure to taste the chili throughout the cooking process and make sure you don’t want to add a bit more chili powder or salt/seasoning. Everyone has different levels of spice!
If you like a thicker chili, add double the meat and an extra can of beans for an extra thick chili.
Use up any leftover veggies. Add spinach, kale, corn, or any leftover veggies in the fridge if you want. The chili is so customizable you can’t go wrong.
Recipe Pairings
We love this chili on its own or with some Blueberry Corn Bread. The sweet and savory combination is exceptional. You can also serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
Other Crockpot Recipes To Try
If you loved this recipe let me know! Also, follow me on Instagram & Pinterest for even more fun recipes to make you feel good from the inside out. Thanks for being here.
Turkey Chili In The Crockpot
Equipment
- Large 6-7 Qt Crock Pot
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lb lean ground turkey, *see notes
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 2 15.5 oz cans red kidney beans
- 2 15.5oz cans dark red kidney beans
- 1 15.5oz cans black beans
- 1 28 oz can peeled crushed Italian tomatoes
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 4 oz can diced green chilis
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 2 cup zucchini, diced, about 2 zucchini
- 3 cloves garlic, mined
- ⅓ cup chili powder, *more as needed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper or red pepper flakes, *more as needed
- 1 tsp salt, *more as needed
- 1-2 cups water, *add as needed.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add a spritz of oil and cook the ground turkey. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp pepper to the meat. Brown for about 4-6 minutes. Set it aside. Turn the crockpot on high.
- Add the canned tomatoes, rinsed beans, diced jalapeño, canned green chiles, Worcestershire sauce, onions, seasonings, 1-2 cups water, zucchini and other veggies (if using others) to the crockpot. Stir well. Add the ground meat to the mix. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. You can cook this on low for up to 6 hours and it will still be delicious. Taste the mix and decide if you need to add some more chili powder, salt or oregano.
- Once the chili has simmered and cooked add it to bowls with choice of toppings and enjoy!
- You can cook this recipe in a soup pot over the stove as well. Just start with browning the meat in the soup pot, and then add all other ingredients to the browned meat and simmer for about 2-3 hours on medium/low.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My go-to chili recipe!