Print

Hearty Slow Cooker Three-Bean Turkey Chili Recipe Easy and Smoky

slow cooker turkey chili - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty, filling slow cooker chili featuring lean ground turkey, three types of beans, and smoky paprika for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons smoky paprika (Spanish smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and the rinsed and drained beans.
  4. Stir in smoky paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. If chili is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach desired consistency.
  7. Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips.

Notes

Brown the turkey before adding to the slow cooker to build flavor and prevent mushy texture. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and avoid thick or gummy chili. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking. Chili tastes better the next day as flavors deepen. Adjust spices to taste; add chipotle powder for smoky heat or jalapeños for spiciness. Can be cooked on stovetop in a Dutch oven for 45-60 minutes if no slow cooker is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, turkey chili, three-bean chili, smoky paprika, easy chili recipe, healthy chili, comfort food, meal prep chili

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/hearty-slow-cooker-three-bean-turkey-chili-recipe-easy-and-smoky/