Easy Slow Cooker Chili (with Ground Beef or Turkey)
This hearty, flavorful chili is made right in the slow cooker! Choose ground beef for a classic version or ground turkey for a lighter twist. Perfect for cozy weeknights, game day, or make-ahead lunches.
Servings: 12 servings
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (for cooking the chili)
- chili ladle (for serving the chili)
- nonstick skillet (for cooking the meat and onion)
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2½ cups beef or chicken broth (see notes below)
- Two 16-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- One 10-ounce can Rotel tomatoes with tomatoes and chiles
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the ground meat, onion and garlic to the pan. Cook the meat and onion until the meat has browned. Spoon out any oil that has accumulated (or soak it up with paper towels).
- Add the cooked meat/onion and all other ingredients to your slow cooker insert. Stir. Cover and cook 6 to 8 hours on low.
- Serve with desired toppings (see notes below) and garlic bread or cornbread.
Notes
- If using ground beef, use beef broth. If using ground turkey, use chicken (or turkey) broth.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months — thaw overnight before reheating. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Make It Healthier: Ground turkey keeps it lean without sacrificing flavor. You can even use ground chicken.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe — the slow cooker can handle it!Utilize the
- Leftovers: Make my Baked Chili Dogs with leftover chili!
- Add More Veggies: Diced zucchini, corn, or bell peppers blend right in.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 512mg | Potassium: 817mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 873IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 6mg