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Why You'll Love This slowcooker turkey chili with winter vegetables for family dinners
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy families - just throw all the ingredients into your slowcooker and let it do the work for you.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite winter vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own.
- Healthy: This recipe is packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins - making it a great option for a healthy family dinner.
- Cost-Effective: This recipe makes a large batch of chili, which can be stretched over several meals - making it a great value for your money.
- Delicious: The combination of tender turkey, flavorful chili, and hearty winter vegetables is a match made in heaven.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Slowcooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for slowcooker enthusiasts - just throw all the ingredients in and let it cook all day.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for families with kids - it's easy to serve and can be customized to suit your family's tastes.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are ground turkey, diced onions, minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes, canned kidney beans, frozen corn, and a variety of spices. The ground turkey provides lean protein, while the diced onions and minced garlic add flavor and texture. The canned diced tomatoes and kidney beans add moisture and fiber, while the frozen corn adds natural sweetness. The spices - including chili powder, cumin, and paprika - add depth and warmth to the dish. When selecting these ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options - such as lean ground turkey and fresh spices - to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How to Make slowcooker turkey chili with winter vegetables for family dinners
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook until shimmering. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned - about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent - about 5 minutes.
Add the chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes - until fragrant.
Add the canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and frozen corn to the slowcooker. Stir to combine.
Add the browned turkey to the slowcooker and stir to combine.
Cover the slowcooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours - until the flavors have melded together and the turkey is tender.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose lean ground turkey, fresh spices, and high-quality canned goods to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Cook the turkey until it's just browned - overcooking can make it dry and tough.
Let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes before serving - this allows the flavors to meld together and the turkey to absorb the juices.
Add your favorite winter vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own - such as diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Choose a slowcooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients - and has a temperature control to ensure the chili cooks evenly.
Try using ground beef, ground pork, or even vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh to change up the flavor and texture.
Add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to give the chili a spicy kick - or use milder peppers like Anaheim or Poblano for a more subtle flavor.
Serve the chili with some crusty bread, a side salad, or some warm tortillas to make it a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Turkey: Cooking the turkey for too long can make it dry and tough. To avoid this, cook the turkey until it's just browned - then let it finish cooking in the slowcooker.
Fix: Check the turkey regularly and remove it from the heat when it's cooked to your liking.
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Not Letting it Rest: Not letting the chili rest before serving can result in a lackluster flavor and texture. To avoid this, let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Fix: Let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes before serving - this allows the flavors to meld together and the turkey to absorb the juices.
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Not Using the Right Slowcooker: Using a slowcooker that's too small can result in a lackluster flavor and texture. To avoid this, choose a slowcooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients.
Fix: Choose a slowcooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients - and has a temperature control to ensure the chili cooks evenly.
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Not Customizing to Your Taste: Not customizing the recipe to your taste can result in a lackluster flavor and texture. To avoid this, add your favorite winter vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own.
Fix: Add your favorite winter vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own - such as diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the ground turkey with tofu, tempeh, or seitan - and add some extra vegetables like diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms.
Replace the ground turkey with tofu, tempeh, or seitan - and use vegan-friendly canned goods and spices. Add some extra vegetables like diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms.
Replace the canned goods with gluten-free options - and use gluten-free spices and seasonings. Add some extra vegetables like diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms.
Add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to give the chili a spicy kick - or use milder peppers like Anaheim or Poblano for a more subtle flavor.
Omit the diced jalapenos or serrano peppers - or use milder peppers like Anaheim or Poblano for a more subtle flavor.
Use low-sodium canned goods and spices - and omit the added salt. Add some extra vegetables like diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the chili at room temperature for up to 2 hours - then refrigerate or freeze. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 5 days - make sure to store it in an airtight container and keep it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Reheat the chili to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Store the chili in the freezer for up to 3 months - make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep it at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Reheat the chili to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep it at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Reheat the chili to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What type of slowcooker should I use?
Choose a slowcooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients - and has a temperature control to ensure the chili cooks evenly. A 6-quart slowcooker is a good size for this recipe.
Can I customize this recipe to my taste?
Yes! You can add your favorite winter vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own. Some options include diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by replacing the canned goods with gluten-free options - and using gluten-free spices and seasonings. Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven?
Yes! You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the chili is hot and the flavors have melded together.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
This recipe takes about 6-8 hours to cook in a slowcooker - or about 30-40 minutes to cook in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. You can also cook it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 hours.
Can I make this recipe in a Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 20-25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then serve.
slowcooker turkey chili with winter vegetables for family dinners
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Turkey. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Soften the Onions. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the Winter Vegetables. Add the mixed winter vegetables to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Step 5: Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth. Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cook the Chili. Cook the chili on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Recipe Notes
- To make this recipe in advance, brown the turkey and cook the vegetables, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook in the slow cooker.
- You can also make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Brown the turkey and cook the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes.
- If using frozen vegetables, thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels before adding to the recipe.
- For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper to taste.
