Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe with Beans and Tomatoes

This slow cooker turkey chili is one of the easiest, most satisfying dinners you can make. It’s packed with protein, full of comforting flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can let the crockpot do the work for you, or follow the quick stove-top method when you need dinner in under 30 minutes.

There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of chili on a cool evening. This slow cooker turkey chili is a simple, healthy spin on a classic: lean ground turkey, three kinds of beans, diced tomatoes, your favorite salsa, and chili seasoning. The result is a hearty, high-protein chili that freezes and reheats beautifully.

What is in slow cooker turkey chili?

This easy turkey chili crockpot recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples and simple fresh ingredients. It’s designed to be flexible so you can use what you have on hand.

• Lean ground turkey
• Onion and garlic (garlic can be fresh or jarred)
• Three cans of beans (black, kidney, and white northern are a great trio)
• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa (mild, medium, or spicy depending on your heat preference)
• Chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Chicken broth or water to thin as needed

Crockpot Turkey Chili Variations

Chili is highly adaptable. Here are a few easy swaps to change the flavor or texture:

• Protein: Swap ground turkey for the same amount of lean ground beef or ground chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Salsa: Use a chunky roasted salsa, a smoky tomatillo salsa, or a mild salsa verde—each will shift the chili’s tone and spice level.
• Seasoning: Adjust the chili seasoning to taste. Add extra cumin or smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier note.
• Cooking method: This recipe works in a slow cooker or on the stove-top. The slow cooker yields tender, melded flavors; the stove-top method is quicker and great for last-minute dinners.

Storage

Leftover turkey chili often tastes better after a day or two when the flavors have had time to meld. Store cooled chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, let the chili cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or silicone freezer cubes, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Set up a toppings bar for casual gatherings: shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips are all great options. Serve with a square of skillet cornbread or a baked potato for a filling meal.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This slow cooker turkey chili is easy, protein-packed, and deeply flavorful. It’s ideal for batch cooking, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd.

Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 4 hrs (slow cooker) • Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil* (omit if cooking in slow cooker)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 15 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz. white northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 28 oz. diced tomatoes
• 12 oz. salsa (mild, medium, or spicy — about 1.25 cups)
• 3 tablespoons chili seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

Slow Cooker

1. Place all ingredients except the olive oil into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally. If thicker chili is desired, remove the lid and let it reduce for the last 20–30 minutes.

Stove-Top

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
3. Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer on low for about 10 minutes to combine flavors.

Tips & Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
• Oil: Omit the olive oil when using a slow cooker.
• Customize: Add bell peppers, corn, or a diced sweet potato for extra texture and nutrients. For extra heat, add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 361 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 8 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.