Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly flavorful and easy Crockpot Turkey Chili recipe! Crafted with succulent leftover turkey, vibrant diced tomatoes, aromatic onions, crisp celery, and a medley of spices, this slow cooker chili is designed to simplify your mealtime. Just minutes of preparation are all it takes before your slow cooker works its magic, simmering a hearty, wholesome dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Effortless & Delicious: Crockpot Turkey Chili
Imagine walking through your front door after a long, busy day to the intoxicating aroma of a rich, simmering chili. That’s the undeniable joy of making this Crockpot Turkey Chili! It offers the unparalleled satisfaction of knowing a delicious, homemade dinner is patiently waiting for you, requiring nothing more than a simple scoop into bowls for your family to enjoy. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavored meal, making weeknight dinners an absolute breeze.
The beauty of slow cooking is its hands-off approach, allowing ingredients to meld together over hours, developing a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. This Turkey Chili truly embodies that crockpot bliss. For anyone who appreciates the convenience of a dump-and-go meal, this recipe is a true game-changer. It’s no secret that slow cooker recipes are a favorite, and this turkey chili is a shining example of why. It consistently delivers a hearty, fulfilling meal with minimal fuss, perfect for those seeking both convenience and incredible taste.
While many classic chili recipes lean on ground beef, opting for turkey offers a fantastic, healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the robust flavors you crave. Turkey provides a lean protein source, making this chili a lighter option that still feels incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re aiming to incorporate more poultry into your diet or simply looking for a fresh take on a beloved classic, this healthy turkey chili is an excellent choice. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food guilt-free, knowing you’re nourishing your body with quality ingredients.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its brilliant use of leftover turkey. Whether you have remnants from a holiday feast like Thanksgiving or simply some pre-cooked turkey from a weekend meal prep, this chili transforms it into something new and exciting. It’s an ingenious way to reduce food waste and breathe new life into cooked turkey, ensuring every succulent bite contributes to a flavorful new creation. This adaptability makes it an incredibly practical recipe for busy households looking to maximize their ingredients efficiently.
Beyond its core ingredients, this Crockpot Turkey Chili is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to customize it to your heart’s content! For instance, if you’re a fan of beans, consider adding black beans for extra texture and protein. Many home cooks enjoy experimenting with different types of beans, and black beans would undoubtedly complement the existing flavors beautifully. You can also toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added color and nutritional value. The chili’s inherent flexibility allows you to tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand, making each batch uniquely yours.
For those who love a little heat, the existing blend of chili powder, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes creates a perfectly balanced warmth. However, if you prefer a milder chili, simply reduce the amounts of chili powder and cumin to dial down the spiciness. Conversely, if you enjoy a fiery kick, a dash more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper will certainly do the trick. A touch of garlic powder can also be added for an extra layer of savory depth, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every spoonful is seasoned to perfection.
This slow cooker turkey chili isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, providing comfort and nourishment. The robust flavors of the spices, the tender chunks of turkey, and the hearty beans create a symphony of taste that makes this chili an instant favorite. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of a slow cooker, can produce truly spectacular results.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey Chili
To create this mouthwatering turkey chili, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the chili’s signature flavor and texture:
- Red kidney beans (drained and rinsed for best results)
- Diced tomatoes (drained to prevent the chili from becoming too watery)
- Cooked turkey meat (cubed, perfect for utilizing leftovers)
- Chili beans (these often come in a savory sauce that adds extra flavor)
- Tomato sauce (forms the rich base of the chili)
- Onion (chopped, provides a sweet and savory aromatic foundation)
- Celery (chopped, adds a subtle crunch and fresh note)
- Chili powder (the primary seasoning for that classic chili flavor)
- Worcestershire sauce (adds an umami depth and complexity)
- Ground cumin (contributes warmth and earthy notes)
- Red pepper flakes (for a gentle heat, adjustable to preference)
- Salt (to enhance all the flavors)
No chili is complete without its perfect accompaniments! Top your serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of creamy sour cream, or slices of fresh avocado for a luxurious touch. Other popular toppings include fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a few crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. These simple additions elevate the chili, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to their liking and adding even more layers of flavor and texture.
Recommended Equipment
Making chili in a slow cooker couldn’t be easier, and having the right tools can make the process even smoother:
Crockpot: A reliable slow cooker is key to this recipe’s success. We highly recommend using one with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle is complete. This feature is incredibly convenient, ensuring your chili cooks perfectly without overdoing it, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at work or out running errands.
Soup Bowls: A sturdy and deep soup bowl is ideal for serving this hearty chili, keeping it warm and allowing plenty of room for all your favorite toppings.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Chili Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of slow cooker chili, you’ll want to try these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
Chili Verde Pork: A zesty and flavorful pork chili with a vibrant green sauce.
Vegetarian Chili: A hearty and satisfying option packed with plant-based goodness.
Chili Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food fusion, combining two beloved classics.
Southwest Chicken Chili: A lighter chicken chili with bold Southwestern flavors.
Hot and Spicy Chili: For those who love an extra kick, this recipe brings the heat.
Don’t forget to explore all of our crockpot soup recipes for even more convenient and delicious meal ideas. And to complete your chili experience, check out these great side dishes for chili!
Are you a recipe enthusiast? Dive into our extensive collection of copycat recipes, indulge in our delightful dessert recipes, and discover more time-saving CrockPot Recipes.
Stay connected for our latest culinary creations! Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our recipe posts and more kitchen inspiration.
Crockpot Turkey Chili Recipe
Print Recipe
Rate This Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 oz red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 28 oz Diced Tomatoes drained
- 2 cups turkey cubed
- 1 can Chili beans
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- 1 cup Celery chopped
- 3 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon Red Pepper chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in your crock pot, cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 27
Recipe originally shared on November 18, 2015. Updated on April 5, 2020.