Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to embrace the essence of fall. This season brings a bounty of harvest flavors, and chili has earned its place as a staple comfort food during these cooler months. Hearty, filling, and bursting with flavor, chili not only warms you from the inside out but also serves as a canvas for seasonal ingredients. Among the many variations, our Hearty Autumn Turkey Chili stands out as a wholesome and nutritious option, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Embrace the warmth of fall with this Hearty Autumn Turkey Chili, the ultimate comfort food for cooler days. Featuring lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, this nutritious chili is perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners. Packed with protein and fiber, it not only fills your belly but also fuels your body. Discover how to create a delicious dish that captures the essence of autumn and makes every meal special. Enjoy the rich flavors and the joy of sharing!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

2 medium carrots, diced

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh, optional)

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado (optional toppings)

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by seasoning the ground turkey with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, followed by the turkey. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Season with a pinch of salt to help release moisture and flavors.

Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the browned turkey. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and corn (if using).

Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chili is done when all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Taste and Adjust: Once cooked, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added richness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 7 hours | 6 servings