You know how feeding teenagers feels like feeding a whole football team? That is pretty much my life every single night. I am always looking for Dinner Ideas With Ground Turkey that do not take forever to cook. Between homework, sports, and those random teen moods, I need Easy Ground Turkey Recipes For Dinner that actually make everyone happy.
This Ground Turkey Chili Crockpot is one of my favorite Easy Meals With Ground Turkey because it is so simple. I love that I can throw it all in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. It is one of those Easy Recipes Ground Turkey lovers will keep making over and over. Seriously, it is cozy, hearty, and one of those Good Fall Recipes For Dinner that just feels like home.
I have tried so many Ground Turkey Recipes over the years, but this one always wins because it is filling and easy. It is also one of those Ground Turkey Meal Ideas that works when I do not know what to make. Sometimes I scroll forever trying to find Meals To Make With Ground Turkey or Meals With Ground Turkey that my teens will not complain about, and this one always saves the night.
It is perfect for busy moms who need Quick Ground Turkey Recipes that taste homemade without the stress. Out of all the Recipes Using Ground Turkey I have made, this might be one of my Simple Ground Turkey Recipes that actually gets everyone to sit down together. If you are running out of Supper Ideas With Ground Turkey or wondering about new Things To Make With Ground Turkey, this chili is a total win.
I love Turkey Ground Meat Recipes that work for any season, but this one hits just right in fall. If you ever ask yourself What To Cook With Turkey Ground Meat or What To Make With Ground Turkey that is easy and filling, you are in the right place. These Ground Turkey Meals are family-approved and crazy easy to make. It is one of my top Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas when life is just too much, and you need Easy Ground Turkey Recipes that keep everyone full and happy.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for browning
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the ground turkey
In a skillet, add a little olive oil and cook the ground turkey over medium heat. Stir it around until it is no longer pink. It does not have to be perfect. Just get it browned a bit.
Step 2: Add veggies
Once the turkey is mostly cooked, toss in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about two to three minutes until everything smells good and softens a little.
Step 3: Move it to the crockpot
Pour the cooked turkey and veggies into your crockpot. This is where the magic happens.
Step 4: Add everything else
Now dump in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Sprinkle all your spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Give it all a big stir so it mixes together nice and even.
Step 5: Let it cook
Put the lid on your crockpot. Cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it goes, the richer the flavor gets.
Step 6: Taste and serve
When it is done, give it a little stir and a taste. Add more salt or spice if you want. Then scoop into bowls and add all your favorite toppings.
Tips and Variations
- You can make it spicy by adding jalapeno or a splash of hot sauce.
- Add corn or zucchini for extra veggies.
- If you like thicker chili, take the lid off the crockpot for the last 30 minutes.
- For picky eaters, skip the cayenne. Let the kids pick their toppings—they will eat more when they get to choose.
- Save leftovers in jars for lunch or even freeze them for busy days.
Meal Prep Tips
Meal prep is my little secret weapon when life gets crazy. Between my teenagers’ sports, school, and the random “Mom, can you make something else?” moments, having food ready to go just makes everything easier. Here is how I make this Ground Turkey Chili work for busy weeks.
1. Cook once, eat twice (or more)
This recipe makes a big batch, which is perfect for leftovers. I like to scoop it into lunch containers while it is still warm. It saves time later and the flavor actually gets better the next day.
2. Freeze in family or single portions
If you have extra, let it cool down and freeze it in small containers or freezer bags. Write the date on the bag, so you do not forget what it is. It stays good for about 3 months. On lazy nights, just thaw it and heat it up—boom, dinner done.
3. Pre-chop everything
On Sundays, I like to chop the onions, garlic, and bell peppers ahead of time. Store them in zip bags or little containers in the fridge. When it is time to cook, you just dump everything in the crockpot and go.
4. Cook the turkey ahead
You can brown the ground turkey the night before and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, just toss it in the slow cooker with the rest of the stuff. It saves you from rushing around before work or school drop-off.
5. Keep toppings ready
The kids love to add cheese, sour cream, and chips. I keep a “chili toppings” bin in the fridge. It has all the extras, so everyone can grab what they want when it is time to eat.
6. Make chili bowls for lunches
This is my favorite trick. I fill mason jars with a layer of chili, then top it with rice or shredded cheese. When my teens come home starving, they just pop one in the microwave and eat. No mess, no whining.
7. Turn leftovers into something new
If you get bored of plain chili, use it to make nachos, chili dogs, or even stuffed baked potatoes. It feels like a whole new meal without cooking from scratch again.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Ground Turkey Chili is one of those recipes that actually gets better the next day, which makes it perfect for make-ahead meals. You can brown the turkey and chop the veggies the night before. Then in the morning, just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing while you run around getting the kids ready.
Fridge Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick dinner or lunch.
Freezer Storage
Let the chili cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Flatten the bags for easy stacking and to save space. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep Ideas
- Portion chili into individual lunch containers for the week.
- Top some containers with cheese or cilantro before storing separately to save time at mealtime.
- Use leftover chili for baked potatoes, nachos, or even chili tacos for a quick twist on dinner.
This make-ahead approach is a lifesaver on busy nights and makes sure you always have cozy, hearty Ground Turkey Meals ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen ground turkey for this chili?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before cooking. It cooks better that way and keeps the texture nice. I have tossed it in frozen once or twice when I was in a rush, and it still turned out fine, but it takes longer to cook through.
Do I have to brown the ground turkey first?
You do not have to, but I really like to. Browning it first makes the chili taste richer and gives it more flavor. Plus, it keeps the meat from clumping together in the crockpot. Totally worth the extra few minutes.
Can I make this on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes for sure! Just cook everything in a big pot or Dutch oven. Simmer it for about 30 to 40 minutes on low heat, stirring now and then. Same cozy flavor, just faster.
Ground Turkey Chili Crockpot Recipe Card
Ground Turkey Chili Crockpot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 onion , diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper any color, diced
- 1 15 oz can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for browning
Optional toppings:
- shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a skillet, warm a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it is no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir for 2–3 minutes until the veggies soften a bit and smell amazing.
- Pour the cooked turkey and veggies into your crockpot. This is where the magic happens.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together really well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Your house will smell so good while it cooks!
- Give it a little stir, taste it, and adjust seasoning if you need to. Serve warm with all your favorite toppings.
Notes
Tips
- Brown the turkey first for richer flavor.
- Add more broth if you like it thinner or leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to thicken it up.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- It tastes even better the next day (seriously).
Variations
- Spicy chili: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Veggie boost: Toss in corn, zucchini, or diced carrots.
- Kid-friendly: Skip the cayenne and serve with chips and cheese.
- Different beans: Try pinto or white beans instead.
- Swap the meat: You can use ground chicken or beef if you want.
At the end of the day, this Ground Turkey Chili Crockpot is one of those dinners that just makes life easier. When you are tired, the kids are loud, and everyone is hungry, this is the kind of comfort food that saves the night. It is warm, simple, and feels like love in a bowl. I have tried so many Dinner Ideas With Ground Turkey, but this one stays on repeat because it always turns out good and everybody eats it.
I love Easy Ground Turkey Recipes For Dinner that do not take much effort. This one is one of my favorite Easy Meals With Ground Turkey because it cooks slow and fills the whole house with that cozy smell. It is one of those Easy Recipes Ground Turkey fans will keep making, especially when the weather gets cooler. It really is one of those Good Fall Recipes For Dinner that just hits right after a long day.
There are a lot of Ground Turkey Recipes out there, but this one is simple, filling, and perfect for busy families. It is one of those Ground Turkey Meal Ideas that does not cost much or take a ton of time. I always tell my friends it is one of the easiest Meals To Make With Ground Turkey when you need something that makes everyone happy. Out of all the Meals With Ground Turkey I make, this is the one that disappears first.
If you like Quick Ground Turkey Recipes or Recipes Using Ground Turkey that are cozy but not heavy, this chili is perfect. It is one of those Simple Ground Turkey Recipes that works for any night of the week. When you are short on time and running out of Supper Ideas With Ground Turkey, this one will come through. It is one of my favorite Things To Make With Ground Turkey when I do not know what else to cook.
You can make it spicy or keep it mild, serve it with chips or bread, or even pack it up for lunches. That is why I love Turkey Ground Meat Recipes like this—they fit right into real life. If you ever wonder What To Cook With Turkey Ground Meat or What To Make With Ground Turkey that everyone will actually eat, this chili is your answer.
It is one of my all-time favorite Ground Turkey Meals and one of those Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas I will never get tired of. If you want Easy Ground Turkey Recipes that are cozy, family-friendly, and make life a little easier, this one is it.
Now I am gonna grab another bowl before my teens finish it all—because trust me, they will.
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