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Kid-Approved Slow Cooker Three-Bean Turkey Chili: Easy Weeknight Dinner

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A hearty, family-friendly chili made with lean ground turkey, three types of beans, and a perfectly balanced spice blend. This easy slow cooker recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (8 oz / 227g) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (mild blend)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips or cornbread

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Transfer the turkey mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt, cumin, or chili powder to taste).
  7. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

For best flavor, do not skip browning the turkey. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture. The chili thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth when reheating if needed. This chili tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, turkey chili, three bean chili, kid-friendly chili, easy weeknight dinner, healthy chili, gluten-free chili

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/kid-approved-slow-cooker-three-bean-turkey-chili-easy-weeknight-dinner/