Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Turkey Chili Crock Pot:
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean or extra-lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (optional)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the turkey)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is a lean source of protein that takes on the flavors of the other ingredients in the chili. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce their fat intake while still enjoying a hearty chili.
- Bell Peppers and Onion: These vegetables add color, texture, and natural sweetness to the chili. They help balance out the savory flavors of the beans and spices.
- Beans and Corn: Kidney beans, black beans, and optional corn provide fiber, protein, and texture to the chili. The beans help make the chili filling, while corn adds a slightly sweet crunch.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic powder are the key spices that give the chili its depth of flavor. The smoked paprika adds a slight smoky heat without overpowering the dish.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: The diced tomatoes and tomato paste form the base of the chili, giving it a rich, tangy flavor that melds well with the spices.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
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Brown the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink and starts to brown.
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Season the Meat: While cooking the turkey, season it with salt and pepper to taste. The turkey absorbs the seasonings, which will enhance the flavor of the chili.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Aromatics
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Sauté the Vegetables: After the turkey is browned, add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
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Transfer to Crock Pot: Once the turkey and vegetables are done, transfer them to the crock pot. This mixture will serve as the base of your chili.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
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Add the Beans and Tomatoes: Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, black beans, and optional corn to the crock pot. Stir everything together to ensure an even mix of ingredients.
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Add the Tomato Paste and Green Chilies: Stir in the tomato paste and diced green chilies. These ingredients will add a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the chili, giving it a well-rounded flavor.
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Add the Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano into the crock pot. Stir the mixture well so the spices are evenly distributed.
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Pour in the Broth: Add the low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth if preferred) to the crock pot and give everything one last good stir. This will help create a nice, soupy base for the chili.
Step 4: Set the Crock Pot
- Cook the Chili: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The low setting will give the chili time to simmer and allow the flavors to develop. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works just as well, though the chili will be a bit thinner.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
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Taste and Adjust the Seasoning: After the chili has finished cooking, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more chili powder for heat, more salt for flavor, or even a bit of honey or sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once your chili is perfectly seasoned, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g