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This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is hearty, healthy, and full of bold flavor! Made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s a cozy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or meal prep. Everything simmers together in the crockpot until thick, rich, and delicious. If you love chili but want a lighter version, this crockpot turkey chili is the recipe for you.
Table of Contents
Crockpot Turkey Chili
I started making this turkey chili recipe over 15 years ago when I was looking for ways to eat healthier, and enjoy some of my beef recipes without beef.
This recipe is easy to make on the stove top, but it’s really convenient to use the Crockpot and let it cook all day.
Try this chili with my Tex-Mex Cornbread Recipe or Mexican Street Corn Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chili Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food – Lean ground turkey keeps it light but still satisfying.
- Easy Crockpot Dinner – Just a little prep, then let your slow cooker do the work.
- Family-Friendly – Mild enough for kids, but easy to spice up for adults.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.
Ingredients in Turkey Chili
Here’s what goes into this easy crockpot turkey chili recipe:
- Ground Turkey
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Beans (Kidney Beans, Black Beans, or Pinto Beans)
- Tomato Sauce
- Diced Tomatoes
- Green Chiles (optional for extra flavor)
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
- Bay Leaves
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Chicken Broth (or water, if you prefer)
Crock Pot Turkey Chili Variations
- Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños, chipotle chili powder, or cayenne.
- No Beans – Leave them out for a lower-carb version.
- Stovetop Method – Simmer everything in a large pot for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Turkey and Quinoa Chili – Stir in ½ cup uncooked quinoa with the tomatoes and broth for added protein and texture.
- Turkey Chili with Corn – Stir in a cup of frozen or fresh corn during the last hour of cooking for a little sweetness and texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Brown the aromatics. Sauté onion, celery, and ground turkey until the turkey is no longer pink and the celery is softened.
- Transfer to the crockpot. Add the cooked mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add seasonings. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and bay leaf.
- Add beans and tomatoes. Mix in the beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Slow cook. Cover and cook on Low 7–8 hours or High 3–4 hours, until thick and flavorful.
Topping Ideas & Serving Suggestions
This turkey chili is delicious on its own, but toppings make it extra fun! Try adding:
- Sour Cream
- Avocado
- Shredded Cheese
- Fresh Cilantro
- Green Onion
- Crunchy Tortilla Chips or Cornbread
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover slow cooker turkey chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezer: Let the chili cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili FAQs
Yes, browning it first adds great flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
Absolutely! Just add an extra can of tomatoes or more veggies to keep it hearty.
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Definitely! Ground chicken works the same way, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Yes it is. Turkey is leaner than beef, high in protein, and lower in saturated fat, making this a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili.
More Crockpot Dinner Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Crockpot Beef Ragu
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
If you make this yummy, healthy crock pot turkey chili recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below. I’d love to know how you liked it!
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 large Bay Leaves
- 1 cup Celery, diced
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 lbs Ground Turkey
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt, divided (or 1 tsp table salt)
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 7-ounce can Diced Green Chiles (mild)
- 1 7-ounce jar Roasted Red Bell Peppers, chopped
- 1 14-ounce can Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 14-ounce cans Tomato Sauce
- 2 15-ounce cans Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 15-ounce cans Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can Garbanzo Beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder (or 1 chipotle in adobo sauce)
- 2 teaspoons Mexican Oregano (or regular) dried
- 2 Tablespoons Cumin
- 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
Instructions
Brown the Turkey & Veggies
- Heat a skillet on med-high heat. When hot, add the olive oil. Then add the onions, bay leaves, and celery. Cook stirring occasionally, until celery and onion are just softened.
- Add garlic, cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the ground turkey, 1 tsp of the salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until done.
Assemble the Chili
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 6 qt or larger slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the crock and mix well.
Slow Cook
- Cook on Low for 7-8 hours, or High for 3-4 hours.
- Taste and adjust salt or seasonings, if needed.
Serve
- Serve with some corn bread, and any toppings you like.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
For making half the recipe, would the cooking time change?
Cook time will be the same.
This recipe has been in my rotation since I first made it in 2020. It gets great reviews from everyone who partakes!!
Excellent!!!
Could you cook the turkey, refrigerate, then dump everything together in the slow cooker the next morning?
Yes, on low. Maybe add a small amount of water or broth just so it doesn’t get too thick.
Roughly how many will this recipe feed? Thanks in advance!
Roughly 10 servings
This is the best turkey chili we have ever had. Even our picky 9 year old liked it! Thank you for such a delicious recipe.