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Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Black Beans

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A hearty, smoky, and healthy turkey chili made in the slow cooker with black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a depth of flavor that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or lazy Sundays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For serving (optional): shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, tortilla chips or cornbread

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink—about 6 to 8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the pepper softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using) over the turkey mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in about ½ cup of the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute, then turn off the heat.
  5. Transfer the turkey mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, drained and rinsed black beans, remaining 1 cup of chicken broth, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. For best flavor, cook on LOW for the full 8 hours.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice as needed.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the turkey and toasting the spices—it adds essential depth of flavor. For a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Leftovers taste even better the next day. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey chili, turkey chili with black beans, healthy chili, easy chili recipe, cozy chili, game day chili

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-slow-cooker-turkey-chili-with-black-beans-recipe/