Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. With its rich flavors and hearty textures, this chili makes an ideal meal for gatherings or cozy nights in. The best part? It’s a breeze to prepare in your slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while the magic happens.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why Make This Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili is not just a delicious meal; it’s also a nutritious one. Turkey is a lean protein, making this dish lower in fat compared to traditional beef chili. Plus, white beans add fiber and creaminess that enhance the overall flavor. The slow cooking process melds the spices beautifully, allowing the chili to develop a rich depth of taste. Whether you need a family-friendly dinner or meal prep for the week, this chili is a winner!
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Start by browning the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. This step adds flavor and ensures the meat is cooked through. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the chili lean and healthy.
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Step 2: Mixing
In your slow cooker, add the browned turkey, rinsed white beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Step 3: Cooking
Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let the slow cooker do its magic as the flavors blend and deepen over time.
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Step 4: Finishing
Once the cooking time is up, give the chili a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve it hot in bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions for that perfect finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
This chili serves wonderfully on its own but can also be paired with crusty bread or cornbread for added texture. For a more casual gathering, consider serving it with tortilla chips for dipping. It also makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prep on a busy week.
How to Store Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
- Substitutions: If you’re looking to change things up, you could use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey. Swap in any beans you have on hand—black beans or kidney beans work well too.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Electric Slow Cookers: Remember that cooking times may vary based on the model of your slow cooker. Check on it periodically for the best results.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground turkey with lentils or additional beans for a vegetarian version.
- Green Chili: Use green chilies instead of diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add Some Veggies: Toss in some zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients without compromising the heartiness of the chili.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this chili on the stove instead of in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the turkey, then add all ingredients to a large pot. Simmer on low for 30-45 minutes until the vegetables are tender. -
Is this chili gluten-free?
Absolutely, as long as all your ingredients are gluten-free, this chili is safe for those with gluten sensitivities. -
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
Just add a little more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. -
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans are convenient! Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to reduce sodium content. -
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Remake it into a chili-stuffed baked potato or a delicious chili quesadilla for a tasty twist!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili is not only simple and satisfying, but it also offers a flexible recipe that caters to various dietary preferences. It’s a perfect canvas for your personal cooking touch and serves as the ultimate comfort food, ready to warm you from the inside out. So why not gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let this delightful chili brighten your meal time? Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and comforting slow cooker chili made with ground turkey and white beans, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions
Instructions
- Start by browning the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- In your slow cooker, add the browned turkey, rinsed white beans, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, stir the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg