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The Perfect Easy Turkey Chili Crockpot for Game Day

easy turkey chili crockpot - featured image

This easy turkey chili is made in a crockpot with lean ground turkey, beans, and bold spices. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe perfect for game day, busy weeknights, or any day you want a warm, satisfying meal without a sink full of dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
  2. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the turkey mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, and drained black beans. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chili is ready when it’s thick, fragrant, and the beans are tender.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, cayenne, or hot sauce if desired.
  8. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

For a thicker chili, swap one can of diced tomatoes for crushed tomatoes. To increase heat, leave seeds in the jalapeño or add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Chili tastes even better the next day. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, crockpot chili, game day chili, easy chili, slow cooker chili, healthy chili