As the days get shorter and the air starts to crisp, nothing beats a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. This Ultimate Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Chili is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. With tender turkey, a medley of spices, and a slow-cooked richness, it’s a dish that fills your home with an inviting aroma and your belly with satisfaction. Ideal for busy days, this chili is as simple as it is delicious, promising a cozy dinner without the fuss.
Steps
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until fully browned, approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess liquid and transfer the turkey to a slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, green chiles, beer or chicken broth, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, sugar, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is cooked through and flavors are blended.
- Once done, serve the chili warm. Optionally, garnish with toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sliced green onions, sour cream, or salsa before enjoying.
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 substitute the ground turkey with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with other meats such as ground chicken or beef. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and nutritional content of the chili.
- Is it possible to make this chili without a slow cooker?
- Absolutely, you can cook this chili on the stovetop. Simply brown the turkey in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- What toppings do you recommend for serving with this chili?
- This chili is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sliced green onions, sour cream, or salsa for additional flavor and texture.
- How can I make this recipe spicier?
- To add more heat, you can incorporate additional chili powder or include a diced jalapeño pepper. Adjusting the amount of taco seasoning can also increase the spice level.
- Is this recipe suitable for those following a gluten-free diet?
- Yes, this turkey taco chili is naturally gluten-free as long as the taco seasoning and other ingredients used do not contain any gluten. Always check the labels to confirm.
Tips
- Brown the Turkey First: Before adding the ground turkey to the slow cooker, ensure you cook it thoroughly in a pan until browned. This step enhances the flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
- Drain Excess Liquids: After browning the turkey, make sure to drain any excess liquid. This helps in preventing the chili from becoming too watery and keeps the flavors concentrated.
- Customize with Toppings: Elevate the flavor of your chili by adding your favorite toppings. Consider options like shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, or fresh avocado to add texture and taste.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your schedule, you can cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours for a more developed flavor or on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crock Pot
- Large Saute Pan
