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Easy Crockpot Turkey Chili with Black Beans

Easy Crockpot Turkey Chili with Black Beans - featured image

A hearty, forgiving turkey chili made in the slow cooker with black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a secret pinch of cinnamon. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (8 oz / 227g) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Do not drain fat.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Push turkey to one side of skillet. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Transfer to slow cooker: Spoon turkey and vegetable mixture into a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
  4. Add canned ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and drained black beans. Stir gently.
  5. Season: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cinnamon. Pour in chicken broth. Stir well to combine, breaking up any clumps of spices.
  6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. For best flavor, cook on LOW for at least 7 hours.
  7. Finish with vinegar: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or other desired garnishes.

Notes

For a thicker chili, remove lid and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes at the end. For a thinner chili, add extra broth. The chili tastes even better the next day. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, black bean chili, easy chili recipe, healthy chili, meal prep chili