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Savory Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili Recipe

by on September 17, 2025

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Are you ready to dive into a warm bowl of comfort? This Savory Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili is a game-changer for cozy nights. Packed with lean turkey, creamy white beans, and vibrant veggies, it’s a healthy twist on a classic. In just a few easy steps, you’ll create a flavorful meal that will impress everyone at your table. Grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!

- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (such as cannellini or great northern) - 1 large onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium) - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream To make this savory slow cooker turkey and white bean chili, you need fresh and hearty ingredients. Start with ground turkey for protein. I love using white beans like cannellini or great northern. They add creaminess and texture. Fresh vegetables are key too. Use a large onion, garlic, and colorful bell peppers for flavor and crunch. Don't forget the canned diced tomatoes. They bring all the flavors together. Chicken broth gives the chili depth, and low-sodium options help keep it light. For spices, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt create a warm and inviting taste. Lastly, consider toppings to make it special. I recommend chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These extras add brightness and richness to each bowl. Enjoy exploring these ingredients as you prepare your chili! First, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of ground turkey. Cook the turkey for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. When it turns brown, drain any excess grease. This step gives the chili a rich flavor. After browning, transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, and one cup of corn to the slow cooker. Drain and rinse one can of white beans and add them too. Then, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Finally, add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This mix adds great taste and texture. Now, it's time for spices! Add 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir all the ingredients well to mix the flavors. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the temperature to low for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low helps the flavors blend better. After the cooking time, check if the vegetables are tender. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your savory slow cooker turkey and white bean chili is almost ready to enjoy! To get the best flavor in your chili, you can adjust the seasoning. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. For a deeper taste, try adding a bit more smoked paprika. Always remember to use low-sodium broth. This helps control the salt level and lets you season better. Browning turkey well is key. Use a skillet and heat the olive oil first. When the turkey hits the pan, break it apart with a spatula. Cook it until it is no longer pink. This process adds flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking the vegetables too. Add them to the slow cooker early. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. This keeps them tender without turning mushy. Garnish the chili for a nice touch. Top each bowl with chopped cilantro and avocado slices. Shredded cheese adds creaminess, while a dollop of sour cream balances the spice. Serve the chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips. This makes for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your homemade chili! {{image_2}} You can change the beans in this chili to suit your taste. Here are some options: - Black beans - Kidney beans - Pinto beans Each bean brings a unique flavor and texture. You can even mix two types for added fun! If you want to try something other than ground turkey, consider these alternatives: - Ground chicken - Lean beef - Plant-based meat These options will still give you a hearty dish while changing the flavor profile. Adjust the spices to match your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add cayenne pepper for heat. - Include oregano or thyme for extra flavor. - Try smoked chipotle for a smoky twist. You can also add more veggies to boost nutrition. Consider these: - Carrots - Zucchini - Spinach Mixing in extra vegetables adds color and health benefits. To make this chili vegetarian or vegan, simply swap out the turkey. Use: - Lentils - Mushrooms - Extra beans These ingredients can add depth and heartiness to your dish. For gluten-free options, check your broth and spices. Most are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure they are labeled as such to avoid any gluten. To store leftovers in the fridge, let the chili cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later. You can also divide it into smaller portions for easy meals. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the bags with the date to track freshness. Chili freezes well and can last for up to three months. To reheat chili, the best method is on the stove. Pour the chili into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. To maintain texture and flavor, add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. This helps keep it from drying out during reheating. In the fridge, chili lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it has an off smell or unusual color, it’s best to toss it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. After this time, it may lose quality but still be safe to eat. Look for ice crystals or freezer burn as signs of aging. If you see these, it's time to let it go. Can I use canned turkey instead of ground turkey? Yes, you can use canned turkey. Drain and shred it first. Canned turkey adds a different texture. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili? You can serve this chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips. A fresh salad also pairs nicely. For toppings, try avocado, cilantro, or cheese. How can I adjust the spice level? To adjust the spice level, add more chili powder for heat. You can also use fresh or dried chilies. For milder chili, reduce the chili powder or omit it. How long does it take to cook on low vs. high? On low, it takes 6-8 hours. On high, it takes 3-4 hours. Both methods let the flavors blend well. Can I cook this chili without a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this chili on the stovetop. Cook on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. How many calories per serving? Each serving has about 300-350 calories. This may vary based on toppings and sides. What are the health benefits of this dish? This dish is high in protein from turkey and beans. It also contains fiber from the beans and vegetables. It's low in fat, especially with lean turkey. This chili recipe combines ground turkey, white beans, and fresh vegetables. You learn how to brown turkey, combine ingredients, and set your slow cooker. Great flavor comes from spices and low-sodium broth. This dish is also easy to adapt for dietary needs. Make sure to store leftovers well to enjoy later. With these tips, you can create a tasty and healthy meal for everyone. Enjoy making your chili, and feel free to get creative with the flavors!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 pound ground turkey

– 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (such as cannellini or great northern)

– 1 large onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 green bell pepper, diced

– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

– 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

– 2 teaspoons ground cumin

– 1 tablespoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)

– Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream

To make this savory slow cooker turkey and white bean chili, you need fresh and hearty ingredients. Start with ground turkey for protein. I love using white beans like cannellini or great northern. They add creaminess and texture. Fresh vegetables are key too. Use a large onion, garlic, and colorful bell peppers for flavor and crunch.

Don’t forget the canned diced tomatoes. They bring all the flavors together. Chicken broth gives the chili depth, and low-sodium options help keep it light. For spices, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt create a warm and inviting taste.

Lastly, consider toppings to make it special. I recommend chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These extras add brightness and richness to each bowl. Enjoy exploring these ingredients as you prepare your chili!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Turkey

First, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of ground turkey. Cook the turkey for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. When it turns brown, drain any excess grease. This step gives the chili a rich flavor. After browning, transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker.

Combining Ingredients

Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, and one cup of corn to the slow cooker. Drain and rinse one can of white beans and add them too. Then, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Finally, add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This mix adds great taste and texture.

Now, it’s time for spices! Add 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir all the ingredients well to mix the flavors.

Cooking Process

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the temperature to low for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low helps the flavors blend better. After the cooking time, check if the vegetables are tender. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Your savory slow cooker turkey and white bean chili is almost ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Best Flavor

To get the best flavor in your chili, you can adjust the seasoning. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. For a deeper taste, try adding a bit more smoked paprika. Always remember to use low-sodium broth. This helps control the salt level and lets you season better.

Cooking Techniques

Browning turkey well is key. Use a skillet and heat the olive oil first. When the turkey hits the pan, break it apart with a spatula. Cook it until it is no longer pink. This process adds flavor and texture.

Avoid overcooking the vegetables too. Add them to the slow cooker early. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. This keeps them tender without turning mushy.

Presentation Suggestions

Garnish the chili for a nice touch. Top each bowl with chopped cilantro and avocado slices. Shredded cheese adds creaminess, while a dollop of sour cream balances the spice.

Serve the chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips. This makes for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your homemade chili!

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can change the beans in this chili to suit your taste. Here are some options:

– Black beans

– Kidney beans

– Pinto beans

Each bean brings a unique flavor and texture. You can even mix two types for added fun!

If you want to try something other than ground turkey, consider these alternatives:

– Ground chicken

– Lean beef

– Plant-based meat

These options will still give you a hearty dish while changing the flavor profile.

Flavor Variations

Adjust the spices to match your taste. Here are some ideas:

– Add cayenne pepper for heat.

– Include oregano or thyme for extra flavor.

– Try smoked chipotle for a smoky twist.

You can also add more veggies to boost nutrition. Consider these:

– Carrots

– Zucchini

– Spinach

Mixing in extra vegetables adds color and health benefits.

Dietary Adjustments

To make this chili vegetarian or vegan, simply swap out the turkey. Use:

– Lentils

– Mushrooms

– Extra beans

These ingredients can add depth and heartiness to your dish.

For gluten-free options, check your broth and spices. Most are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure they are labeled as such to avoid any gluten.

Storage Info

Proper Storage Techniques

To store leftovers in the fridge, let the chili cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later. You can also divide it into smaller portions for easy meals.

For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the bags with the date to track freshness. Chili freezes well and can last for up to three months.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat chili, the best method is on the stove. Pour the chili into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.

To maintain texture and flavor, add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. This helps keep it from drying out during reheating.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, chili lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it has an off smell or unusual color, it’s best to toss it.

In the freezer, it can last up to three months. After this time, it may lose quality but still be safe to eat. Look for ice crystals or freezer burn as signs of aging. If you see these, it’s time to let it go.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use canned turkey instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use canned turkey. Drain and shred it first. Canned turkey adds a different texture.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili?

You can serve this chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips. A fresh salad also pairs nicely. For toppings, try avocado, cilantro, or cheese.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the spice level, add more chili powder for heat. You can also use fresh or dried chilies. For milder chili, reduce the chili powder or omit it.

Cooking Questions

How long does it take to cook on low vs. high?

On low, it takes 6-8 hours. On high, it takes 3-4 hours. Both methods let the flavors blend well.

Can I cook this chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this chili on the stovetop. Cook on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information

How many calories per serving?

Each serving has about 300-350 calories. This may vary based on toppings and sides.

What are the health benefits of this dish?

This dish is high in protein from turkey and beans. It also contains fiber from the beans and vegetables. It’s low in fat, especially with lean turkey.

This chili recipe combines ground turkey, white beans, and fresh vegetables. You learn how to brown turkey, combine ingredients, and set your slow cooker. Great flavor comes from spices and low-sodium broth. This dish is also easy to adapt for dietary needs.

Make sure to store leftovers well to enjoy later. With these tips, you can create a tasty and healthy meal for everyone. Enjoy making your chili, and feel free to get creative with the flavors!

- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (such as cannellini or great northern) - 1 large onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium) - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream To make this savory slow cooker turkey and white bean chili, you need fresh and hearty ingredients. Start with ground turkey for protein. I love using white beans like cannellini or great northern. They add creaminess and texture. Fresh vegetables are key too. Use a large onion, garlic, and colorful bell peppers for flavor and crunch. Don't forget the canned diced tomatoes. They bring all the flavors together. Chicken broth gives the chili depth, and low-sodium options help keep it light. For spices, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt create a warm and inviting taste. Lastly, consider toppings to make it special. I recommend chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These extras add brightness and richness to each bowl. Enjoy exploring these ingredients as you prepare your chili! First, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of ground turkey. Cook the turkey for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. When it turns brown, drain any excess grease. This step gives the chili a rich flavor. After browning, transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, and one cup of corn to the slow cooker. Drain and rinse one can of white beans and add them too. Then, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Finally, add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This mix adds great taste and texture. Now, it's time for spices! Add 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir all the ingredients well to mix the flavors. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the temperature to low for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low helps the flavors blend better. After the cooking time, check if the vegetables are tender. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your savory slow cooker turkey and white bean chili is almost ready to enjoy! To get the best flavor in your chili, you can adjust the seasoning. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. For a deeper taste, try adding a bit more smoked paprika. Always remember to use low-sodium broth. This helps control the salt level and lets you season better. Browning turkey well is key. Use a skillet and heat the olive oil first. When the turkey hits the pan, break it apart with a spatula. Cook it until it is no longer pink. This process adds flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking the vegetables too. Add them to the slow cooker early. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. This keeps them tender without turning mushy. Garnish the chili for a nice touch. Top each bowl with chopped cilantro and avocado slices. Shredded cheese adds creaminess, while a dollop of sour cream balances the spice. Serve the chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips. This makes for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your homemade chili! {{image_2}} You can change the beans in this chili to suit your taste. Here are some options: - Black beans - Kidney beans - Pinto beans Each bean brings a unique flavor and texture. You can even mix two types for added fun! If you want to try something other than ground turkey, consider these alternatives: - Ground chicken - Lean beef - Plant-based meat These options will still give you a hearty dish while changing the flavor profile. Adjust the spices to match your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add cayenne pepper for heat. - Include oregano or thyme for extra flavor. - Try smoked chipotle for a smoky twist. You can also add more veggies to boost nutrition. Consider these: - Carrots - Zucchini - Spinach Mixing in extra vegetables adds color and health benefits. To make this chili vegetarian or vegan, simply swap out the turkey. Use: - Lentils - Mushrooms - Extra beans These ingredients can add depth and heartiness to your dish. For gluten-free options, check your broth and spices. Most are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure they are labeled as such to avoid any gluten. To store leftovers in the fridge, let the chili cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later. You can also divide it into smaller portions for easy meals. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the bags with the date to track freshness. Chili freezes well and can last for up to three months. To reheat chili, the best method is on the stove. Pour the chili into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. To maintain texture and flavor, add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. This helps keep it from drying out during reheating. In the fridge, chili lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it has an off smell or unusual color, it’s best to toss it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. After this time, it may lose quality but still be safe to eat. Look for ice crystals or freezer burn as signs of aging. If you see these, it's time to let it go. Can I use canned turkey instead of ground turkey? Yes, you can use canned turkey. Drain and shred it first. Canned turkey adds a different texture. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili? You can serve this chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips. A fresh salad also pairs nicely. For toppings, try avocado, cilantro, or cheese. How can I adjust the spice level? To adjust the spice level, add more chili powder for heat. You can also use fresh or dried chilies. For milder chili, reduce the chili powder or omit it. How long does it take to cook on low vs. high? On low, it takes 6-8 hours. On high, it takes 3-4 hours. Both methods let the flavors blend well. Can I cook this chili without a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this chili on the stovetop. Cook on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. How many calories per serving? Each serving has about 300-350 calories. This may vary based on toppings and sides. What are the health benefits of this dish? This dish is high in protein from turkey and beans. It also contains fiber from the beans and vegetables. It's low in fat, especially with lean turkey. This chili recipe combines ground turkey, white beans, and fresh vegetables. You learn how to brown turkey, combine ingredients, and set your slow cooker. Great flavor comes from spices and low-sodium broth. This dish is also easy to adapt for dietary needs. Make sure to store leftovers well to enjoy later. With these tips, you can create a tasty and healthy meal for everyone. Enjoy making your chili, and feel free to get creative with the flavors!

Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili

Warm up with a delicious bowl of Hearty Turkey & White Bean Chili! This easy slow cooker recipe combines ground turkey, healthy white beans, and colorful veggies for a filling meal. In just 15 minutes of prep, let your slow cooker do the work. Perfect for chilly nights, serve with toppings like avocado and cheese. Click through to explore this recipe and discover how simple it is to create comforting dishes at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (such as cannellini or great northern)

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream

Instructions
 

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

    Transfer the cooked turkey into the slow cooker.

      Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red and green bell peppers, and corn to the slow cooker.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the drained white beans.

          Add the chicken broth to the mixture, followed by the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

            Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together.

              Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) | Servings: 6-8 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for a complete meal!

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