Slow Cooker Turkey and Bean Chili
You want big flavor, minimal effort, and a dinner that makes your kitchen smell like you know what you’re doing. This Slow Cooker Turkey and Bean Chili hits all three. We’re talking hearty, smoky, a little spicy, and shockingly wholesome.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder optional, for smoky heat
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar balances acidity; optional but recommended
- Juice of 1/2 lime for brightness at the end
- Toppings: chopped cilantro diced avocado, shredded cheddar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink and lightly browned, 5–7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the pan. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. This builds flavor—don’t skip it.
- Bloom the spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chipotle powder. Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. You’re unlocking the spices’ oils for a deeper taste.
- Load the slow cooker: Transfer the turkey mixture to the slow cooker. Add kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, broth, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.Stir to combine.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Taste and adjust salt near the end.
- Finish with acid: Stir in lime juice right before serving. It brightens everything like a culinary Instagram filter.
- Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and go wild with cilantro, cheese, avocado, yogurt/sour cream, and chips.Or keep it minimalist—your call.
