Slow Cooker Turkey & Bean Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili is a true “set it and forget it” crockpot wonder—just dump all ingredients and come back to a warm, flavorful meal. Packed with lean ground turkey, beans for fiber and protein, and vegetables for nutrients, it delivers balanced comfort without any alcohol or pork. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Meat & Beans

• 1 lb (about 450 g) lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)

• 1 (15‑oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15‑oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15‑oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup (about 150 g) diced carrots or sweet potato (optional but adds sweetness & texture)

Tomatoes & Liquid

• 1 (28‑oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 (15‑oz) can tomato sauce (no sugar added)

• 1 to 1½ cups low‑sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Finishing Touches (Optional Add-ins)

• Fresh lime juice (1 Tbsp)

• Hot sauce or salsa for extra spice

Toppings (Optional but Recommended)

• Shredded cheese or vegan cheese

• Chopped cilantro or green onions

• Diced avocado or guacamole

• Sour cream or dairy-free yogurt

• Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Instructions

1. Brown the Turkey and Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm a bit of oil, then brown the ground turkey until mostly cooked. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened (about 4–5 minutes).

• Browning adds flavor and improves texture—skipping it may result in a flatter taste.

2. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the turkey and veggies to your slow cooker. Add the beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Cooking longer can dry out meat or mush vegetables—avoid cooking over 8–10 hours on low.

4. Season & Finish

About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings. Add lime juice or hot sauce if desired. Stir and let rest briefly before serving.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

• Freezer: Portion and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm on stovetop over medium heat, stirring and adding a splash of broth if needed. Or microwave in intervals, stirring between.

Optional Variations & Swaps

• Beans & Veggies Swap: Use great northern, navy, or white beans. Add zucchini, corn, or spinach mid-cook for added variety.

• Spice Tweaks: For smoky depth, add chipotle in adobo or a pinch of cocoa powder.

• Beans Only Option: Double beans and skip turkey for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition Snapshot (per ~1½‑cup serving)

Based on a similar slow-cooker turkey and bean chili:

• Calories: ~400 kcal

• Protein: ~49 g

• Fiber: ~11 g

• Fat: Very low, especially with lean turkey

Optional general estimate:

• Protein: ~17 g per cup, Calories: ~220 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put raw turkey directly into the slow cooker?

Yes, but browning it first improves both flavor and texture.

How do I avoid a too-thick or too-thin chili?

If too thick, stir in extra broth or water. If too thin, remove lid near the end to reduce liquid or mash a few beans to thicken.

Is this chili freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—freeze in portions and reheat later.

Is this recipe spicy?

By default, it’s mild to medium. To adjust, simply omit or increase red pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free broth and check seasonings accordingly.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap turkey for extra beans, lentils, or plant-based meat substitute.

How can I boost protein further?

Add Greek yogurt (if not vegan), shredded chicken, or a scoop of unflavored plant-based protein powder when serving.