This slow cooker turkey chili recipe is a hearty meal packed with three types of beans, ground turkey, bell pepper, and corn. Perfect for a cozy meal, this one-pot meal is incredibly easy to prepare. Just set-it-and-forget-it until dinner, then serve it with all the toppings and warm cornbread!
Why I Love This Chili
Some people like to say beans don’t belong in chili, but I am not one of them! I used to make this crockpot turkey chili recipe anytime the temperatures dropped back when we lived in Texas. I found the old recipe card for this chili while cleaning and could not wait to make it again. It was just as good as I remembered! Here’s why I know you will love it too:
- Easy: Brown the meat, toss it and everything else into your slow cooker and let it do all the hard work!
- Flavorful: The combination of spices, bell pepper, and corn adds depth and texture. Add in ground turkey and three types of beans and you will create a rich, full flavored dish.
- Comfort Food: Offers a warm, comforting meal perfect for any season. Bonus: This chili uses affordable ingredients to create a hearty, budget friendly meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week, it also freezes very well for super easy dinners later!
- Versatile: If you don’t have the exact beans called for, no worries. You can substitute any beans you like in this recipe as long as the total equals three cans worth.
Looking for more easy crockpot chili recipes? Try this easy crockpot chili or crock pot white chicken chili! Or make this instant pot white chicken chili.
Key Ingredients
Simple pantry ingredients like canned beans and Rotel make this a snap to put together if you already have everything stocked. Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make this easy slow cooker turkey chili recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Ground Turkey: This recipe will work with any type of ground meat you prefer, like ground chicken or ground beef. If you choose a type of ground meat with a higher fat content, be sure to drain any excess grease before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Rotel: Rotel is canned tomatoes and green chilis. It comes in three different spice levels: mild, original, hot and extra hot. We use mild when cooking for our kids.
- Beans: I used a can of dark red kidney beans, pinto beans, and garbanzo beans. You can use ANY canned beans you like, just make sure to rinse them well before adding them.
- Corn: You can use fresh, frozen or canned corn. I prefer fresh or frozen personally as they will retain their texture better.
- Chili Seasoning: Use our favorite recipe for homemade Chili Seasoning, or pick up a package of your favorite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
You need 10 minutes or less to prepare the turkey, while the crockpot will do the rest of the work! Below is a quick recipe overview, but please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full instructions.
- Cook the turkey: In a medium skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned and crumbly.
- Dump and go: Add the cooked turkey to the crockpot along with the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine and place the lid on the crockpot.
- Cook the chili: Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 6 to 8 hours.
- Enjoy a bowl of comfort: Stir well and serve this chili with all your favorite toppings piled high!
Cook’s Tips for Success
- Adjust Heat: If you know you like your chili spicy, you can use the “hot” or “extra hot” versions of Rotel or add a freshly diced jalapeño or Serrano pepper. To spice up your chili at the end in individual bowls, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top it with fresh sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Thick Chili: If you like your chili in a thick gravy style broth, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 2 tablespoons water. Stir this into the chili and cook for 10 minutes more on high.
- Thinner Chili: Use less turkey for a more brothy chili. I used 2 pounds of ground turkey when I made this chili, which made it very hearty and meaty. If you like a more brothy chili, use 1-1 ½ pounds of ground turkey.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the turkey and add more beans or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Cook Longer: The longer you cook this chili the more flavorful it becomes. So if you have the time, we recommend cooking it on low heat for up to 6 hours for intense depth of flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
How To Serve Crockpot Chicken Chili
I would call this chili a one-bowl meal, but it’s always nice to have a little something to go with it!
- Salad: A big green salad, or this refreshing strawberry spinach salad, will balance the heat of the chili and add some extra vegetables to your meal.
- Bread: Chili and bread is a classic for a reason. It doesn’t matter if it’s a classic homemade cornbread, my cheesy jiffy cornbread, or this buttery and dense beer bread, it all goes great with chili!
- All The Toppings: Sour cream, shredded jack or cheddar cheese (or a combo!), fresh or pickled jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, green onions, crispy crushed Frito chips… The options are endless!
Crockpot Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced (any color)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel (do not drain)
- 1 (16 oz) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (16 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, fresh or canned will also work
- 4 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a medium size skillet, cook the ground turkey, breaking apart the meat as it cooks, until browned and crumbly.
- Add the cooked turkey to the crockpot along with the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine and place the lid on the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 6 to 8 hours. When ready to serve, stir well and serve in bowls with your favorite toppings.
