Description
A hearty and healthy turkey chili made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and bold chili spices. Slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully for a comforting, protein-rich meal perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 700 g lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn, optional
Beans & Tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
Liquids & Pastes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Spices & Herbs
- 1½ tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground turkey thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks for even browning and flavor development.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Drain any excess liquid from the cooked turkey, then transfer the turkey into the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, drained black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste into the crockpot with the turkey.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir well to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook the chili on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Add Corn: If using corn, stir it into the crockpot during the final 30 minutes of cooking to keep its texture crisp yet tender.
- Finish and Serve: Give the chili a final stir, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving to add brightness and freshness.
Notes
- Use extra-lean turkey for a lighter chili with less fat.
- Top with avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lower-carb option, reduce or omit the beans and increase vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for more fiber and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course, Soup, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex