Family-Pleasing Turkey Chili

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Cook: 4 hours

Makes

6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)

Updated: Dec. 04, 2023
My children really love this slow-cooker turkey chili recipe—it's one of their favorite comfort foods. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and the leftovers are wonderful! —Sheila Christensen, San Marcos, California
Family-Pleasing Turkey Chili Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1-3/4 cups frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional toppings: Reduced-fat sour cream and minced fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. In a large nonstick skillet, cook the turkey, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain.
  2. Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, broth, corn, tomato paste, chili powder, pepper, cumin and garlic powder.
  3. Cover and cook on low until heated through, 4-5 hours. If desired, serve with sour cream and cilantro.

Can you freeze Family-Pleasing Turkey Chili?

Freeze cooled chili in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add broth or water if necessary.

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili Tips

Can you put raw ground turkey in a slow cooker?

We wouldn’t recommend it. Browning the turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker creates a rich flavor that adds depth to the dish. Learn more in our ultimate guide to chili.

Can you substitute ground beef for ground turkey in chili?

Absolutely! Ground beef and ground turkey can be exchanged, pound for pound, in chili. If you need inspiration, check out our all-time best chili recipes.

Can you slow cook turkey chili for too long?

Yes. If left in the slow cooker for longer than the recommended cooking time, turkey chili will start to break down. Specifically, the veggies and beans will become mushy and unappetizing. You also run the risk of burning the chili.

What are some additional toppings for slow-cooker turkey chili?

In addition to sour cream and cilantro, serve this slow-cooker turkey chili with crushed corn chips, cheddar cheese or jalapeno slices. Next to your bowl, consider these tasty chili sides, too.

—Katie Bandurski, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 349 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 12g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.