Are you tired of complicated recipes that drain your energy after a long day? Imagine coming home to a mouthwatering, hearty chili that practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker Weeknight Turkey Chili is your ultimate solution to delicious, hassle-free meals that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary ground turkey into a spectacular dinner that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic, then set them aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- In the same skillet, add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the turkey is cooked, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the skillet into the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Next, add the drained kidney beans and black beans to the slow cooker. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the chili for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it cook for an additional 30 minutes with the lid off.
- Once ready, serve the turkey chili hot. You can garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and hearty Slow Cooker Weeknight Turkey Chili!
Tips
- Brown Your Meat First: Taking the extra few minutes to brown the ground turkey and sauté the onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker will dramatically enhance the depth of flavor.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: The 6-hour slow cooking process is crucial for allowing the spices to fully develop and the ingredients to become tender and well-integrated.
- Customize Your Toppings: While the chili is delicious on its own, consider offering a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to let everyone personalize their bowl.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne if you prefer a spicier version, or keep it mild for family-friendly meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
