Crock-Pot Turkey Chili
A hearty, flavorful turkey chili with smoky spices, tomatoes, and cocoa, perfect for cozy gatherings and easy weeknight dinners that satisfy a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 to 3 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup canola or olive oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 large garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cups beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 green chili, diced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cocoa ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon honey ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground turkey, chopped onion, and crushed garlic in oil until the meat loses its pink color.
- Add dry spices including chili powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg; cook until well heated and fragrant.
- Pour the cooked mixture into the crock-pot.
- Add tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, green chili, beef bouillon, red wine vinegar, cocoa, and honey to the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, then turn to low and cook for several hours until flavors meld and chili is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or black beans. You can also use vegetable broth in place of beef bouillon for a lighter flavor. This recipe is perfect for an Easy Day Dinner, as it can be prepared ahead and cooked while you relax.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty turkey chili with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of rice. This dish is a fantastic comfort food and a great way to warm up on chilly days.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Turkey Chili contains roughly 807 calories, with 26g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this chili?
Absolutely! Ground beef or chicken can be substituted for the turkey. For a unique twist, try using chorizo for added flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different meats may require slight adjustments.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, replace the ground turkey with black beans, kidney beans, or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the texture and flavor, while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili turns out too thick, simply stir in a little more beef bouillon or water until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add some canned diced tomatoes with their juices for extra moisture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).