There's nothing as comforting as a bowl of a hearty and flavorful turkey chili, especially one that's loaded with three different kinds of beans. This slow cooker three-bean turkey chili is a healthy, protein-packed dish that's perfect for cold days and busy weeknights.
All the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, you might need to look for canned chilis in the international or Mexican food aisle. Moreover, while chickpeas are a common pantry staple, you might not usually have both black beans and small red beans on hand, so don't forget to pick them up.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Three-Bean Turkey Chili
Ground turkey breast: a lean and protein-packed meat that makes up the base of this chili.
Onion: adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
Diced tomatoes: provide a bit of acidity and freshness.
Tomato sauce: helps create the perfect chili consistency.
Chopped chilis: add a spicy kick.
Chickpeas: these legumes are a great source of fiber and protein.
Black beans: another healthy and filling ingredient.
Small red beans: lend a colorful touch and more protein.
Chili powder and cumin: these spices give the chili its characteristic flavors.
Red onion and fresh cilantro: for a crunchy, refreshing garnish.
Cheddar, avocado, and sour cream: optional toppings to make the chili even more delicious.
One reader, Alys Sharma says:
This slow cooker three-bean turkey chili recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the turkey adds a healthy twist. It's so convenient to prepare and the aroma is irresistible. It's a hit with my family and perfect for busy days. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Chili
How to brown the turkey and onion: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey and onion until they are fully cooked and browned. This will help to develop the flavors of the chili.
How to transfer to the slow cooker: After browning the turkey and onion, transfer them to the slow cooker along with the beans, chilis, chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
How to cook in the slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to cook on high for 6 to 8 hours or on low for 10 to 12 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to become tender.
How to garnish with toppings: Once the chili is ready, garnish it with chopped red onions and fresh cilantro. Additionally, you can add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors and textures.
How To Make Slow Cooker 3-Bean Turkey Chili
This slow-cooked turkey chili recipe features a lean ground turkey, 3 kinds of beans, and delicious chili peppers and toppings to make the chili dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 20ozlean ground turkey breast,(1.3 lbs) 99%
- 1small onion,chopped
- 28ozdiced tomatoes,(1 can) drained
- 16oztomato sauce,(1 can)
- 4.5ozchopped chilis,(1 can)
- 15ozchickpeas,(1 can) drained
- 15.5ozblack beans,(1 can) drained
- 15.5ozsmall red beans,(1 can) drained
- 2tbspchili powder
- 1tspcumin
For Topping:
- ½cupred onion,chopped
- ½cupfresh cilantro,chopped
For Optional Toppings:
- cheddar,chopped, shredded
- avocado
- sour cream
Instructions
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Brown the turkey and onion in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
-
Transfer to the slow cooker with the beans, chilis, chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well.
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Cook on High 6 to 8 hours or on Low 10 to 12 hours.
-
Garnish with onions, cilantro, and your favorite toppings.
-
Press saute, spray with oil, and brown the turkey and onion, breaking the meat up with a spoon until cooked through.
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Add the beans, chilis, chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin, mixing well.
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Cook on High pressure for 25 minutes. Then press Natural Release.
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Garnish with onions, cilantro, and your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Calories: 585.08kcal
- Fat: 8.22g
- Saturated Fat: 1.66g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.87g
- Carbohydrates: 88.88g
- Fiber: 26.46g
- Sugar: 11.35g
- Protein: 42.80g
- Cholesterol: 36.85mg
- Sodium: 411.16mg
- Calcium: 193.66mg
- Potassium: 2116.99mg
- Iron: 9.78mg
- Vitamin A: 60.82µg
- Vitamin C: 23.94mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Slow Cooker Chili
When browning the turkey and onion, make sure to break up the meat into small pieces. This will not only ensure that the turkey cooks evenly, but it will also help the flavors to distribute more evenly throughout the chili. Additionally, don't rush this step. Allowing the turkey and onion to brown properly will add a depth of flavor to your chili that can't be achieved otherwise.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow Cooker Three-Bean Turkey Chili
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all the ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and boiling process.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker 3-Bean Turkey Chili Recipe
lean ground turkey breast - Substitute with lean ground chicken breast: Chicken breast is a suitable substitute for turkey breast in terms of flavor and texture, and it will work well in the chili recipe.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes in this recipe, as they will provide a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
chopped chilis - Substitute with jalapeños: Jalapeños can be used as a substitute for chopped chilis to add a spicy kick to the chili recipe.
chickpeas - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for chickpeas, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
small red beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans can be used as a substitute for small red beans, as they have a similar texture and flavor profile.
chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder can be used as a substitute for regular chili powder, adding a slightly different flavor to the dish.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a similar earthy and warm flavor to the chili recipe.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Chili
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker three-bean turkey chili, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the chili.
Garnish with precision: Carefully sprinkle the finely diced red onions and fresh cilantro on top of the chili. The vibrant colors and fresh aroma will enhance the overall presentation and provide a delightful burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the chili. This will not only add a rich and creamy texture but also create a beautiful contrast against the hearty chili.
Artful drizzle: For a touch of sophistication, drizzle a small amount of tangy sour cream in a decorative pattern over the chili. This adds a luxurious touch and complements the robust flavors of the dish.
Avocado fan: For an optional topping, create a delicate fan of ripe avocado slices and place it on the side of the bowl. This adds a creamy and buttery element to the presentation, elevating the overall visual appeal.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Precision and care in the presentation will demonstrate a high level of culinary expertise and attention to detail.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Three-Bean Turkey Chili
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is an essential tool for browning the ground turkey and onion in this recipe.
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures. It's perfect for slowly cooking the three-bean turkey chili to develop rich flavors.
- Medium skillet: A medium-sized skillet is used for browning the ground turkey and onion before transferring them to the slow cooker.
- Spoon: A spoon is necessary for breaking up the meat while browning it in the skillet.
- Pressure cooker: A pressure cooker can be used as an alternative to the slow cooker for preparing the chili. It allows for faster cooking under pressure, resulting in a delicious chili in less time.
- Oil spray: Oil spray is used for greasing the skillet before browning the turkey and onion.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Three-Bean Turkey Chili
- Let the chili cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
- If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the chili in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the chili appears too thick after thawing, add a little water or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve the reheated chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.
How to Reheat Leftover Turkey Chili
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover chili to a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chili is heated through and reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating. If the chili appears too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chili is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover chili, you can reheat it in your slow cooker. Transfer the chili to the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let the chili reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to keep the chili warm for an extended period.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chili to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. Stir the chili halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. This method is useful if you want to reheat a large batch of chili at once.
Freezer to stovetop method: if you have frozen leftover chili, you can reheat it directly from the freezer. Transfer the frozen chili to a saucepan or pot and heat over low heat, stirring frequently. As the chili thaws and heats up, gradually increase the heat to medium-low. Continue stirring until the chili is heated through and reaches your desired temperature. This method may take longer than reheating refrigerated chili, but it eliminates the need for thawing.
Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Three-Bean Turkey Chili
Turkey chili is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling meal option.
Is Making This Turkey Chili Recipe Economical?
This slow cooker three-bean turkey chili recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of lean ground turkey, beans, and tomatoes makes it a budget-friendly option. With a rating of 9/10, this hearty and nutritious dish is not only affordable but also provides a substantial amount of servings for a family of four. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $20, making it an economical choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Is This Chili Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker three-bean turkey chili recipe is a healthy and nutritious option for several reasons:
- Lean protein: The recipe uses lean ground turkey breast, which is a great source of protein while being low in saturated fat.
- Fiber-rich beans: The inclusion of chickpeas, black beans, and small red beans provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
- Vegetable content: The addition of onions, diced tomatoes, and chopped chilis increases the vegetable content of the dish, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Low-fat toppings: The suggested toppings, such as red onion and fresh cilantro, add flavor without significantly increasing the calorie or fat content.
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium versions of the canned ingredients, such as beans and tomato sauce, or by rinsing the canned beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding more nutrient-dense options, such as diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or chopped spinach. These additions will boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the chili.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping to increase the protein content while reducing the fat and calorie content.
- Serve the chili with a side of brown rice or quinoa to add more complex carbohydrates and fiber to the meal.
- Experiment with different spice combinations to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt. Try adding smoked paprika, oregano, or a touch of cinnamon for depth and complexity.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Chili Recipe
This slow cooker three-bean turkey chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of lean ground turkey and a variety of beans creates a satisfying and protein-packed meal. The use of chili powder and cumin adds a warm and aromatic depth of flavor, while the optional toppings of red onion, cilantro, cheddar, avocado, and sour cream provide a customizable touch. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a delicious and comforting chili that's sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker 3-Bean Turkey Chili Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker 3-Bean Turkey Chili Recipe:
This slow cooker three-bean turkey chili recipe offers a wholesome and flavorful meal. The lean ground turkey breast provides a lean protein source, while the trio of beans adds fiber and texture. The combination of chili powder and cumin infuses the dish with rich, aromatic flavors. Additionally, the use of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce ensures a robust and hearty base. Topped with fresh red onion and cilantro, this recipe promises a satisfying and nutritious dining experience.
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