Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Name: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 250 min
Total time: 260 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon avocado oil (or other neutral oil); 2 pounds ground turkey; 2 cups chopped onions; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 large red bell pepper (cored, deveined, and chopped); 1 cup chopped celery; 1 jalapeno pepper (cored, deveined, and finely chopped); 4 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (24 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth or water; 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (light or dark, drained); salt and pepper (to taste); Shredded cheddar cheese; Sliced green onions; Chopped yellow onions; Diced avocado; Fresh or pickled jalapeño slices; Sour cream or yogurt

Cheryl Malik Posted: 10/07/19 Updated: 12/22/22

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GF Gluten Free

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This is the best slow cooker turkey chili recipe ever! It’s super flavorful but not too spicy, and it’s filling, healthy, quick, and easy to make. The Crockpot lets it simmer for a rich flavor with no hovering over the stovetop. Perfect for fall, tailgating, and parties.

Turkey chili served in a white bowl with toppings

What makes this recipe so good?

This is a great dump and go chili recipe! There’s very little prep time needed and no stirring at the stovetop!
The chili is cooked long and slow for a deep and rich flavor.
It’s perfect for batch cooking and meal prep throughout the week.

How to Make It

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey and brown, breaking up with a spoon or spatula. Add to slow cooker.
Return pot to stove and heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, pepper, celery, and jalapeño, chili powder, and cumin; sauté 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute or until well combined. Scrape mixture into slow cooker.
Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken stock; stir. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
Add drained beans; stir. Cook uncovered 1 hour on low heat. Ladle into serving bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Four process shots of how to make the recipe in the slow cooker

How To Make It in an Instant Pot

If you prefer to make this slow cooker turkey chili in the Instant Pot, simply sauté the turkey, as well as the onion-pepper mixture in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Place turkey in a bowl or on a plate after cooking then return to Instant Pot after cooking onion-pepper mixture.

Use less chicken stock; either skip it completely or only use 1/2 cup. Cook the mixture (without beans) on High Pressure for 10 minutes then let naturally release at least 5-10 minutes. Stir in beans and heat through.

Topping Suggestions

Let’s be honest, what really makes a chili bowl great is all of the toppings! Add all of your usual favorites:

shredded cheese
jalapenos
sour cream
avocado
green onions
fresh cilantro

Storage Suggestions

This recipe makes enough tasty chili for six generous and hearty servings. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for around 4 days.

The chili can also be frozen – let it cool to room temperature and place in a container or freezer bag. Defrost in the fridge before heating through.

Or! Cook a sweet potato or Russett potato and pour the chili over. Delish.

Meal Prep Tips

Because the chili keeps so well, it’s perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping. It’s great to grab for easy midweek lunches, just heat it up quickly in the microwave. After a day or so, the flavors get stronger too!

Chef’s Tips

You can keep the chili cooking on a low heat for up to 6-8 hours.
If you can’t wait for your chili, you can cook it on high for 2 hours.
You can add the beans in at the last minute if you prefer. Simply stir them in after 4 hours on low heat and let them heat through.

Be sure to check out these other slow cooker recipes!

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Meet Cheryl Malik

In addition to being a certified health coach, certified yoga instructor, and mom of 3, Cheryl is also the recipe developer, editor-in-chief, food photographer, and passionate foodie behind 40 Aprons. Having spent the last 10+ years as a food blogger, she's become known for her flavorful recipes, detailed instructions, gorgeous photography, and down-to-earth approach to food and cooking in general.