Hearty Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipe: Your Go-To Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This delicious ground turkey crockpot recipe offers a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort. Using lean ground turkey, it’s a healthier twist on a classic, packed with robust flavors. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying, hands-off dinner perfect for busy families, all thanks to this incredible ground turkey crockpot recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Crockpot Chili

This easy ground turkey crockpot recipe will quickly become a household favorite for many excellent reasons. It takes the stress out of mealtime, making it perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks.

• Effortlessly Delicious: This chili comes together with minimal active prep, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work. You can enjoy a deeply flavored meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthy & Lean: Ground turkey provides a fantastic source of lean protein, making this a nutritious option for any dinner rotation. It’s packed with vegetables and beans for added fiber.
• Customizable for All: Easily adjust the spice level or add your family’s favorite ingredients. Everyone can enjoy their chili just the way they like it.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. This chili reheats beautifully, saving you time and effort later.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to make everyone feel cozy and satisfied. It’s ideal for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for ground turkey crockpot recipe

Crafting a wholesome and flavorful chili starts with fresh ingredients. This fantastic ground turkey crockpot recipe uses simple, accessible items you can find at any grocery store. Gather these essentials to create a comforting, hearty meal everyone will love.

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey (20.8-ounce package works too)
• 3 tablespoons ground chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup water
• 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
• 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
• 1 15 ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 2 cloves
• 2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup, optional
• Optional Garnishes: Greek yogurt, scallions, cheddar cheese, cilantro, avocado, pumpkin seeds

Notes & Substitutions

• Ground Turkey: We prefer lean ground turkey, around 93% or 95% lean, for a healthier chili. You can also use ground chicken or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. If using higher fat turkey, drain excess grease after browning.
• Beans: Kidney beans are classic, but feel free to swap them for black beans, pinto beans, or a combination. Ensure you drain and rinse all canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onion create a great base. Experiment with other seasonal veggies like corn, diced carrots, or even finely chopped mushrooms for added nutrients.
• Spices: Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your taste. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Smoked paprika can add wonderful depth.
• Sweetener: The optional sugar or maple syrup helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Taste your chili before adding, and use just enough to mellow the flavors, if needed.

Essential Equipment

Making this easy ground turkey crockpot recipe requires just a few standard kitchen items. These tools will help you prepare and cook your chili efficiently, ensuring perfect results every time.

• 6-quart slow cooker: This is the star of the show, allowing for gentle, even cooking. A 6-quart capacity is ideal for this batch size.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for browning the ground turkey and building foundational flavors.
• Standard kitchen utensils: A wooden spoon for stirring, a knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables, and a can opener are all you need.

How to Make Ground Turkey Crockpot Chili

Creating this hearty ground turkey crockpot recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready to enjoy with minimal fuss. Your slow cooker handles most of the work, making dinner prep a breeze.

1. Brown the Ground Turkey: First, heat the avocado or olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey to the hot pan. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the turkey into small pieces. Cook the turkey until it is no longer pink, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This crucial step develops rich flavor.
2. Season the Turkey: Once the turkey is browned, sprinkle it generously with the chili powder, cumin, salt, and cinnamon. Stir these spices into the turkey mixture well, continuing to cook for another 30 to 90 seconds. This allows the spices to become fragrant and their flavors to deepen.
3. Deglaze the Skillet: Pour ½ cup of water into the skillet with the seasoned turkey. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits add immense flavor to your chili.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully scrape the entire turkey mixture, including any liquid, into the insert of your large (6-quart) slow cooker. This forms the flavorful base for your chili.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Now, add the diced bell peppers, shredded zucchini, diced onion, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans, tomato paste, and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker with the turkey.
6. Stir Well to Combine: Give all the ingredients a thorough stir. Ensure everything is evenly mixed and submerged in the liquid. This helps distribute the flavors and ensures even cooking throughout the chili.
7. Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on the low setting for 8 hours, or if you are in a hurry, cook on the high setting for 4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Taste, Adjust, and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, taste the chili. If desired, add the optional 2 teaspoons of sugar or maple syrup to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir well again. Serve your flavorful turkey chili hot, topped with any of your favorite optional garnishes.

Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Crockpot Chili

Achieving the perfect bowl of chili, especially with a ground turkey crockpot recipe, is simple with a few smart techniques. These tips will help you maximize flavor and ensure your chili turns out wonderfully every time.

• Don’t Skip Browning the Turkey: This step is vital for building a deep, savory foundation. Browning creates rich, caramelized flavors that simply can’t be achieved by adding raw turkey to the slow cooker.
• Adjust Spice Levels to Your Preference: The listed spices provide a moderate flavor. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or an extra dash of chili powder. For milder chili, reduce the chili powder slightly.
• Always Taste and Adjust Before Serving: Flavors can change during slow cooking. A quick taste test allows you to fine-tune the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or sweetener as needed.
• Shred Zucchini for Hidden Veggies: Shredding the zucchini helps it melt seamlessly into the chili, making it a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, especially for picky eaters.
• Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes for Depth: Opting for fire-roasted crushed and diced tomatoes adds a smoky, complex layer of flavor. This simple swap significantly enhances the chili’s overall profile.
• Prevent Overcooking for Best Texture: While chili is forgiving, don’t let it cook indefinitely. Overcooking can make vegetables too mushy and dull the fresh flavors. Stick to the recommended cook times.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile ground turkey crockpot recipe offers endless possibilities for serving, storing, and adapting. Make it your own by experimenting with toppings and ingredients, ensuring a fresh experience every time.

Serving

Serve your slow cooker turkey chili with an array of classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced scallions. For added texture, offer avocado slices or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. It pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. This hearty chili is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or potlucks.

Storage

Leftover turkey chili stores exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. You can refrigerate the chili for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warm, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

Variations

Easily customize this ground turkey crockpot recipe to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, incorporate diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a dash of chipotle powder. Add sweet corn kernels or diced sweet potatoes during the last hour of cooking for extra sweetness and nutrition. Experiment with different beans, like cannellini or navy beans, for a varied texture. You can even adapt this for a dairy-free meal by omitting cheese and using a plant-based yogurt. For a vegetarian option, swap the turkey for extra beans and hearty mushrooms.

Nutrition Information

This slow cooker turkey chili is a nutrient-dense meal, perfect for a health-conscious diet. Understanding the nutritional benefits of lean ground turkey can help you make informed dietary choices. It provides a substantial amount of lean protein from the ground turkey, essential for muscle health and satiety. Furthermore, the inclusion of beans and vegetables adds valuable dietary fiber. Studies show the significant health benefits of dietary fiber for digestion and overall well-being. This ground turkey crockpot recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals, offering a wholesome and balanced dinner option for your family.

Nutrition data is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Ground Turkey Crockpot Chili FAQ

Got questions about this delicious ground turkey crockpot recipe? We’ve got you covered with quick answers to common queries, ensuring your chili-making experience is smooth and successful.

• Can I use frozen ground turkey? Yes, you can. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before browning it in the skillet to ensure even cooking and safe handling.
• Is browning the turkey mandatory? While not strictly mandatory for safety, browning is highly recommended. It adds a crucial layer of deep, savory flavor that raw turkey simply won’t provide.
• How do I thicken my chili? For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Can I prepare this recipe ahead? Absolutely! You can chop all the vegetables and even brown the turkey the day before. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator, then combine them in the slow cooker the next morning.
• What other ground turkey crockpot recipes exist? Beyond chili, ground turkey shines in slow cooker tacos, sloppy joes, stuffed peppers, or even a hearty meat sauce for pasta. The slow cooker makes preparing these dishes incredibly convenient.

Conclusion

This hearty slow cooker turkey chili is truly a game-changer for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. It’s an effortless, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss. Embrace the convenience of your slow cooker to create this wholesome and delicious ground turkey crockpot recipe. Make this a staple for your weeknight dinners; your family will thank you for this comforting and easy meal. Try it tonight and share your creations with us!

Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

A cozy, protein-packed turkey chili loaded with veggies, beans, and bold spices. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 11 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (preferably fire roasted)
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (preferably fire roasted)
• 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup (optional)

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Large skillet or Dutch oven for browning turkey
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Knife and cutting board for prepping vegetables

Method

 

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and cinnamon to the browned turkey. Stir and cook for 30–90 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Pour in 1/2 cup of water to deglaze the pan. Scrape up browned bits and stir well.
4. Transfer the turkey mixture (with liquid) to a 6-quart slow cooker insert.
5. Add bell peppers, zucchini, onion, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, and garlic. Stir everything to combine.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
7. Taste the chili. Stir in optional sugar or maple syrup to balance acidity, if desired.
8. Serve hot with toppings like Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, cilantro, or avocado.

Notes

Swap kidney beans for black or pinto beans. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth. Add jalapeños or chipotle for more heat. Optional sugar or maple syrup helps balance acidity from tomatoes.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com