Turkey chili is always a hit! It’s a great choice if you are reducing the amount of red meat in your diet, and the flavor is great. Turkey thighs or a combination of light and dark is best in this recipe. If the turkey is too lean it tends to be dry and doesn’t add as much flavor as dark meat.
Recipe Variations
- Salsa: Add a fruity twist by using mango or another kind of fruit salsa instead of tomato.
- Tomatoes: Replace the canned tomatoes with 4 to 6 fresh chopped plum tomatoes along with an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. Or use chili-seasoned or fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Beans: Replace the pinto beans with black beans or small red beans.
- Vegetables: Add some heat with a chopped hot chili pepper. Add a surprise vegetable to the chili, like spinach or artichokes.
- Turkey: Use part beef or sausage, or swap out the turkey with beef or sausage.
Turkey Chili
Spice up your chili night with this slow cooker turkey chili recipe. Packed with flavor and customizable to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chili
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained
- 1/2 cup salsa, your favorite
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional Garnishes: sour cream, avocados, cilantro, jalapeno rings, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes or until the turkey is browned.
- Transfer the turkey and onion to the slow cooker and add the tomatoes, beans, salsa, chili powder, and cumin. Stir and add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Serve with cornbread or a crusty loaf and your choice of sides and garnishes.
