Slo-Cooked Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 420 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty slow-cooked chili with tender ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners with bold flavors and warm aromas.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 1/2 c. chopped onions
  • 1 c. chopped green pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans, undrained
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1 c. whole kernel corn

Instructions

  1. Preheat a pot on the stove over medium heat.
  2. Add ground turkey and brown it thoroughly.
  3. Remove the pot from heat and place it on the base.
  4. Add chopped onions, green pepper, garlic, undrained whole tomatoes, undrained kidney beans, salt, chili powder, and pepper to the pot.
  5. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 7 to 10 hours.
  7. About 1 hour before serving, add the whole kernel corn.
  8. Serve topped with grated cheese and/or sour cream if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using ground beef or a mix of turkey and beef. You can also substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. If you like it spicier, add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Adjust the chili powder to your taste, especially if you're using a brand with varying heat levels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Topping with grated cheese and sour cream enhances the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Three Ingredient Chocolate Pie for dessert, making for a comforting dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the chili has thickened.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Slo-Cooked Chili contains roughly 878 calories, with 52g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), protein (105% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).

878 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 52.4g 100% DV
Total Fat 25.4g 33% DV
Carbs 114.8g 42% DV
Fiber 32.8g 100% DV
Sugar 10.5g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1488mg 65% DV
Potassium 2190.9mg 47% DV
Cholesterol 68.5mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 71.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 46.1mg 51% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 229.7mg 18% DV
Iron 12.4mg 69% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, to make this chili vegetarian, simply replace the ground turkey with a combination of lentils and chopped mushrooms or use a meat substitute. You might also consider adding more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition and texture.

How can I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve your desired consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge. Prepare a large batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week. Just reheat as needed and enjoy!

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).

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