Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

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Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

An easy, comforting chili packed with rich flavor, lean ground turkey, and colorful veggies — perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

When the days turn chilly, there’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of homemade chili to warm you up from the inside out. This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is wholesome, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It’s loaded with lean ground turkey, tender bell peppers, black beans, and a blend of spices that create deep, bold flavor.

The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work! Once everything is browned and combined, you can set it to cook and come back later to a house that smells amazing — and dinner that’s ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Chili

  • Hearty yet healthy: Made with lean ground turkey and plenty of veggies.
  • Rich, bold flavor: Spices, garlic, and fire-roasted tomatoes add warmth and depth.
  • Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.
  • Versatile: Adjust the spice level, add your favorite beans, or load it with extra veggies.

Ingredients

Serves 6–8

  • 2 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large jalapeño peppers, minced (remove seeds for mild heat or leave them in for spice)
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 6-ounce jar chopped sweet peppers, with juice
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Turkey Chili

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked turkey to your slow cooker, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it starts to soften. Stir in the red and green bell peppers and cook until tender. Add the garlic and jalapeños, cooking for one more minute until fragrant. Transfer all the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Spices and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, and chopped sweet peppers (with their juice). Stir to coat everything in the flavorful seasoning.

Step 4: Mix and Slow Cook

Add the brown sugar, tomato sauce, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and black beans. Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and cook:

  • On HIGH for 3–4 hours
  • Or LOW for 5–6 hours

The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings such as:

  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions
  • Pickled or fresh jalapeños
  • Crushed tortilla chips or strips

Tips for the Best Chili

  • Make it ahead: Chili tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
  • Add more heat: For extra spice, include a dash of hot sauce or an extra jalapeño.
  • Thicker chili: Leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
  • No slow cooker? You can simmer everything in a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove for 1–2 hours over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 290 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 37g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 8g | Sodium: 800mg

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Ideas

This turkey chili is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it over:

  • Steamed rice or quinoa
  • Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
  • Cornbread or crusty bread on the side

Cozy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Satisfying

This Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a healthy comfort meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, full of vibrant flavor, and makes enough to feed the whole family — with leftovers for lunch the next day!

 

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