Crockpot Turkey Chili

You can’t beat a big, cozy pot of turkey chili bubbling away in the crockpot, especially on busy weeknights or game day when you want something hearty without hovering over the stove! This recipe I’ve got for you today keeps things simple but satisfying: lean ground turkey, plenty of spices, and three types of beans to bulk it out and pack in extra goodness. It’s budget-friendly, comforting, and the kind of recipe that definitely deserves a spot in your regular rotation. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect for weeknights, lazy weekends, and game day spreads. A winner whether you’re feeding your family or a big crowd! 

• Made with budget-friendly ground turkey (because I know groceries are expensive right now, and I wanted to show you some ideas for keeping those weekly bills more manageable) 

• Uses three kinds of beans to make it extra hearty and nutritious.

• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or spice level.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day, and it freezes great for meal prep 

Ingredients

You’ll find the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, covering ingredients, measurements, and instructions! 

• Olive oil: Helps brown the turkey and adds a little richness.

• Lean ground turkey: A lighter alternative to beef, but still hearty and satisfying.

• Onion: Chopped small so it softens and blends into the chili.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and warmth.

• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color.

• Green bell pepper: Brings a mild, earthy flavor for balance.

• Diced tomatoes: The base of the chili. 

• Chicken broth: Helps create the perfect chili consistency; add more if you like it soupier.

• Tomato paste: Thickens the chili and adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor.

• Chili powder: The main seasoning. Adjust depending on how bold you want it.

• Ground cumin: Adds warmth and that classic chili flavor.

• Smoked paprika: Gives the chili a subtle smoky depth.

• Dried oregano: Adds an herby lift.

• Garlic powder: Layers in more garlic flavor without overpowering.

• Cayenne pepper: For heat — add more or less depending on spice preference.

• Salt and pepper: Season to taste at the end.

• Bay leaf: Adds savory depth during cooking; remove before serving.

• Black beans: Rinsed and drained; adds fiber and texture.

• Dark red kidney beans: Classic chili beans that hold their shape well.

• Cannellini beans: Creamier beans that help balance the mix.

How To Make Crockpot Turkey Chili 

• Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground turkey, onion, and garlic. Cook until the turkey is browned, breaking it up as you go. Transfer everything to your slow cooker.

• Add the bell peppers, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Give it all a good stir.

• Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the flavors have melded and the veggies are tender.

• In the last hour, stir in the beans so they warm through without getting mushy.

• Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings — shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, hot sauce, jalapeños, whatever you love.

Storage & Reheating 

• Refrigerate: Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as it sits.

• Freeze: This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

Recipe Notes 

• If you prefer a thicker chili, let it cook uncovered during the last 20–30 minutes to reduce slightly.

• Ground turkey can vary in fat content. Lean works great, but if yours is very lean, don’t skip the oil when browning.

• Add the beans toward the end so they warm through without getting mushy.

• Feel free to adjust the spices: add more chili powder for a bolder flavor or a little extra cayenne for more heat.

• If your chili thickens too much as it cooks, just add a splash of broth until it reaches your perfect consistency.

Serving Ideas 

This turkey chili is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, and especially game day. Set out a toppings bar and let everyone build their own bowl.

Try topping it with:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack)

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Fresh cilantro or green onions

• Sliced jalapeños for extra heat

• Avocado or guacamole for creaminess

• Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

• Hot sauce if you like things spicy

You can serve it over rice, scoop it up with cornbread, or use it as the filling for chili dogs or loaded baked potatoes. Great for feeding a crowd! 

Print Recipe

Crockpot Turkey Chili

This crockpot turkey chili is hearty, flavorful, and packed with veggies and beans — the perfect cozy dinner for busy nights or game day. It simmers low and slow until rich and satisfying, and the leftovers are even better the next day.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time6 hours hrs

Total Time6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lbs lean ground turkey
• 1 onion chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 red bell pepper deseeded and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper deseeded and chopped
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth more as needed
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
• 15 oz can dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
• 15 oz can cannellini beans rinsed and drained

Instructions

• Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground turkey, onion, and garlic. Cook until the turkey is browned, breaking it up as you go. Transfer everything to your slow cooker.
• Add the bell peppers, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Give it all a good stir.
• Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the flavors have melded and the veggies are tender.
• In the last hour, stir in the beans so they warm through without getting mushy.
• Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings — shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, hot sauce, jalapeños, whatever you love.

This crockpot turkey chili is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on standby. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a cozy bowl every single time! It’s perfect for meal prep, game day gatherings, or an easy weeknight win.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment — it helps other readers discover the recipe too, and it always makes my day to hear about what you’ve been making.