Turkey Taco Chili in a slow cooker is like the warm hug you didn’t know you needed on a chilly day. It’s as if a fiesta decided to cozy up in your kitchen—aromas wafting through the house, teasing your senses. I swear, the anticipation alone is worth it!
Steps
- Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until fully browned, stirring frequently to break it apart, for about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess liquid, then move the turkey to a slow cooker.
- Combine the browned turkey with all remaining ingredients in the slow cooker, excluding any optional toppings. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cook the chili on a low setting for 6-8 hours, or choose a high setting for a quicker option of 3-4 hours, until it’s thoroughly cooked.
- Once ready, serve the chili warm. Add any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or sliced green onions for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 1 medium red or yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
- 1 cup beer or chicken broth
- 1 packet (¼ cup) taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips or strips, thinly sliced green onions, sour cream, salsa, etc.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?
- Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer. Just make sure to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Is it possible to make this chili less spicy?
- Certainly. To reduce the spiciness, you can use mild taco seasoning and opt out of adding green chiles. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by omitting the ground turkey and adding more beans or vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and texture.
- What toppings would you recommend for serving?
- You can top your chili with a variety of options such as shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sliced green onions, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro to add extra flavor and texture.
- How should I store any leftovers?
- Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, which makes for an easy future meal. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Tips
- Brown the Turkey Properly: Make sure to brown the ground turkey thoroughly in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor and helps maintain a good texture in the chili.
- Customize with Toppings: Enhance your chili experience by adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. These add-ons can elevate the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Choose the Right Cooking Time: Depending on your schedule, you can cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Adjusting the cooking time allows you to control the tenderness of the ingredients and the richness of the flavors.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients such as different types of beans or spices to suit your taste preferences, making the chili uniquely yours each time you prepare it.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Large Saute Pan
