Savory Slow Cooker Turkey and Bean Chili
This savory slow cooker turkey and bean chili is a comforting dish that brings warmth on cool days. A delightful mix of ground turkey and hearty beans, combined with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, makes this chili flavor-packed. Customize it to your liking by adjusting the heat level with extra chili flakes or experimenting with different beans. Perfect for a family meal, this chili pairs beautifully with cornbread or can be topped with your favorite fixings for a satisfying dinner experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
yellow onion
1 medium (peeled and chopped)
red onion
1 medium (peeled and chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and minced)
ground turkey
2 lbs (do not use ground turkey breast for moisture)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
kidney beans
2 (15 1/4 ounce) cans (undrained)
tomato sauce
1 (29 ounce) can
liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon
mild chili powder
1/3 cup
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
dried New Mexico chile
1 large (crumbled)
hot red chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow and red onions, along with minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the crock pot.
2
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, and brown it until it’s fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked turkey into the crock pot with the onions and garlic.
3
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, tomato sauce, liquid smoke, dried thyme, chili powder, ground cumin, crumbled New Mexico chile, and hot red chili pepper flakes into the crock pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high for 4-6 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Once cooked, give the chili a stir and serve it in large bowls alongside cornbread. Offer optional toppings of diced onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream at the table for guests to customize their bowls.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Slow Cooker Turkey and Bean Chili?
It is a comforting, flavor-packed dish made with ground turkey, kidney beans, and a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder, slow-cooked to perfection.
What kind of turkey is best for this chili?
It is recommended to use standard ground turkey rather than ground turkey breast to ensure the chili remains moist.
How many onions are required?
The recipe calls for one medium yellow onion and one medium red onion, both peeled and chopped.
How should I prepare the garlic?
You should use two garlic cloves that have been peeled and minced.
Do I need to brown the turkey before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the ground turkey in a skillet for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked before transferring it to the crock pot.
Should the kidney beans be drained?
No, the kidney beans should be added to the slow cooker undrained.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two 15 1/4 ounce cans of kidney beans.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, you should use the diced tomatoes with their juice included.
What size of tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 29 ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much chili powder should I add?
You should use 1/3 cup of mild chili powder.
How long does the chili cook on high?
If cooking on the high setting, the chili takes about 4-6 hours.
How long does the chili cook on low?
If cooking on the low setting, the chili takes about 6-8 hours.
What side dish pairs well with this chili?
This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread.
What are the recommended toppings?
Optional toppings include diced onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
What gives the chili its smoky flavor?
The addition of 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke provides the savory smoky flavor.
How do I add the New Mexico chile?
Crumble one large dried New Mexico chile before adding it to the crock pot.
How much olive oil is used?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between sautéing the vegetables and the meat.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by adding extra hot red chili pepper flakes or different types of beans.
What dried herb is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Sauté the chopped yellow and red onions with minced garlic in olive oil until soft and slightly browned.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 main ingredients listed for this turkey and bean chili.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for a family and very satisfying.
Do I need to stir the ingredients during cooking?
You should stir well to combine all ingredients before starting the slow cooker, and then stir again before serving.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, the recipe allows for experimentation with different bean varieties to suit your preference.
What is the amount of hot red chili pepper flakes used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of hot red chili pepper flakes.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple sautéing before slow cooking.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The yellow and red onions should be peeled and chopped.
Is this recipe good for cold weather?
Yes, the description notes it is a comforting dish that brings warmth on cool days.
How many cans of kidney beans are used?
Two 15 1/4 ounce cans of kidney beans are used in this recipe.