Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: Deliciously Easy Dinner

July 23, 2025

Slow cooker turkey chili has become my absolute go-to for those chilly evenings when I crave something warm, hearty, and comforting without a lot of fuss. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of spices and simmering goodness filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. It’s so incredibly simple, making it the perfect easy turkey chili for busy weeknights. This recipe is a lifesaver, offering a satisfying bowl that’s packed with flavor and goodness. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Incredible Flavor: The slow cooker melds spices and ingredients into a rich, savory chili you’ll crave.
Effortless Prep: With only 20 minutes of prep, this is the definition of an easy weeknight meal.
Healthy Choice: This healthy turkey chili is packed with lean protein and fiber.
Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and ground turkey makes this an affordable family favorite.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love this hearty, flavorful chili.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal.
Nutrient-Dense: It’s a truly healthy turkey chili that fuels your body.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This one-pot chili comes together with simple ingredients, making it a weeknight lifesaver. Here’s what you’ll need:

1.5 lbs lean ground turkey – the base for our hearty chili
1 large onion, chopped – adds a sweet and savory foundation
2 bell peppers (any color), chopped – for a bit of sweetness and crunch
3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that deep flavor
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – the rich tomato base
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained – adds creamy texture and fiber
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – for a different bean texture and color
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained – another classic chili bean
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained – for a little kick and extra tomato goodness
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – helps meld the flavors and provides liquid
2 tablespoons chili powder – the star spice for that chili flavor
1 teaspoon cumin – adds earthy warmth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a lovely smoky depth
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – a classic herb pairing
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – for adjustable heat
Salt and black pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy, making it perfect for a busy weeknight chili. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful meal.

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. You’ll smell that savory aroma as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Carefully transfer the browned ground turkey into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the chopped 1 large onion, the chopped 2 bell peppers, and the minced 3 cloves garlic directly into the slow cooker with the turkey.
Step 4: Pour in the 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, the rinsed and drained 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, the rinsed and drained 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, and the rinsed and drained 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans.
Step 5: Add the 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) for an extra layer of flavor and a hint of heat.
Step 6: Pour in the 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth. This liquid helps all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Stir in the spices: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. If you like it spicy, add the 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper now.
Step 8: Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later. This is a crucial step for a truly delicious weeknight chili.
Step 9: Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 10: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more the flavors will deepen, creating a perfect weeknight chili.
Step 11: Once cooked, give the chili a final stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

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Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

I’ve found a few tricks that really elevate this simple chili into something truly special. Follow these tips for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

For a richer flavor, consider toasting your cumin and chili powder for about 30 seconds in a dry skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Don’t skip browning the turkey! This step adds depth of flavor and removes excess fat, making for a cleaner tasting chili.
If you like a thicker chili, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on either the low or high setting to let some of the liquid evaporate.
Taste and adjust seasonings *after* the chili has cooked. The flavors meld and intensify, so what might seem bland at first can become perfect.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Chili?

The secret is to let the slow cooker do its magic, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Toasting the spices beforehand also adds a wonderful depth. This truly is a fantastic protein chili.

Can I make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients (chop veggies, brown turkey) up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, just dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Turkey Chili?

A common pitfall is not browning the turkey first – this step is crucial for flavor. Also, avoid over-salting too early; wait until the end to season to taste, as the beans and broth can add saltiness.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This versatile chili recipe is fantastic on its own but truly shines with a few complementary sides. I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and some fresh chopped cilantro. For a little crunch, a side of cornbread or tortilla chips is always a hit. You could even serve it over rice or baked potatoes for a heartier meal.

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Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This hearty chili is a fantastic choice for a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 12g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This delicious slow cooker turkey chili is perfect for meal prep, and storing leftovers is a breeze. After cooking, let the chili cool for about an hour at room temperature. Then, portion it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, this chili freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. This makes having a hearty, homemade meal incredibly convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Can I make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with ground beef instead?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground beef for the turkey! Just make sure to drain off any excess fat after browning the beef, just as you would with the turkey. The cooking process remains the same, and it will still result in a delicious chili. For other ground meat recipes, check out our turkey meatloaf recipe.

What are some good toppings for this easy turkey chili?

I love topping this easy turkey chili with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or even some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. Avocado slices are also a fantastic addition!

How long does it take to cook on high vs. low?

When cooking on low, you’ll want to let it simmer for about 6-8 hours for the flavors to fully meld. If you’re short on time, cooking on high will get it done in 3-4 hours. Both methods yield a delicious chili, but the low setting often results in a deeper flavor.

Can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?

You absolutely can! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans or some vegetables like corn or zucchini. For a vegan chili, use plant-based ground “meat” or extra beans and vegetables, and ensure your broth is vegetable broth. For more plant-based options, explore our crispy roasted cauliflower.

Variations of Slow Cooker Turkey Chili You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many ways to customize this slow cooker turkey chili to suit your tastes and dietary needs. I love experimenting with different additions to keep things exciting!

Vegetarian/Vegan Twist: Skip the turkey and add an extra can of beans or hearty vegetables like chunks of sweet potato or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegan option. This makes for a wonderfully satisfying and healthy turkey chili alternative.
Spicy Fiesta Chili: Amp up the heat by adding a can of diced jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle powder along with the other spices. You could also top it with fresh sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
White Bean Chicken Chili Style: While this recipe uses turkey, you could adapt it to a white bean chicken chili by using chicken breast (cubed) or ground chicken, white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern), and green chilies.
Smoked Paprika & Chipotle Boost: For an even deeper, smokier flavor, increase the smoked paprika and add a teaspoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. This variation offers a complex flavor profile that’s incredibly comforting. For another comforting dish, try our Korean BBQ meatballs.