Look no further for a comforting slow cooker freezer meal. This lean turkey chili is not only hearty and absolutely delicious, but it’s also chock full of fiber, protein, and nutrients. This crock pot chili is delicious fresh but is also a great make ahead meal.
‘Tis the season for a good, healthy slow cooker recipe!
In the midst of heavy holiday meals and baked goods, this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans is…hmmm…refreshing. Can chili be refreshing? Well, not like refreshing in as a cold drink on a hot day. But, it definitely qualifies as a welcomed break from the overindulgent foods of late. It was a winner and will be a regular in our winter menu planning for sure.
This lean turkey chili is not only hearty and absolutely delicious, but it’s also chock full of fiber, protein, and nutrients. The jalapeño lends just the right amount of heat without being overpowering. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and then leftovers for lunch the next day.
Be sure to double the batch and freeze one for later (instructions included below). And, let me assure you, your house will smell incredible when you arrive home around 5 p.m. Thank you slow cooker!
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This lean chili is not only hearty and absolutely delicious, but it’s also chock full of fiber, protein, and nutrients. The jalapeño lends just the right amount of heat without being overpowering. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and then leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
- 3 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño pepper, minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, liquid and all
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounce) cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
- Topping for serving: hot sauce, diced avocado, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, diced onions, salsa, thinly sliced green onion, etc.
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium to medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté diced sweet potatoes for about 5 minutes, until just softened. Season lightly with salt and pepper while sautéing. Add sweet potato mixture to slow cooker insert.
- Turn up heat to medium-high. In same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the onions, jalapeño pepper, garlic and ground turkey, stirring and breaking up the meat. Cook until meat is cooked through (no longer pink) and onions softened, about 4-5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper while sautéing. Drain off any grease. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
- Add meat mixture and remaining ingredients (chili powder through black beans) to the slow cooker insert, stirring until well combined.
- Slow cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper amounts. Add hot sauce to increase heat at the end, if desired. Serve topped with your favorite chili toppings (diced avocado, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar, diced onions, etc.).
Notes
Freezer Meal Instructions:
To Freeze: Complete recipe through Step 2. Add the cooked and cooled meat and vegetables to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Then, add the remaining ingredients (chili powder through black beans) to the same bag. Seal, toss gently to mix, and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator. Cook according to instructions beginning with Step 4.
hello!! quick question, i don’t have a crockpop, how else can i cook this? thank you 😉
You can make this on the stove. Just simmer for about 15-20 minutes (or longer, if you want), stirring occasionally, after cooking the potatoes and ground turkey.
Made a double batch in our large cooker, and my husband objected to freezing the leftovers as planned. So that’s a big thumbs up!
My only two cents – might be nice if the sweet potatoes were firmer, so maybe add in the last 20 minutes, or skip the saute step. And might be helpful to list the total volume or what size crock pot to use – I spent a minute debating whether the doubled recipe would fit. But all’s well, and it worked great in the end!
I’m new to your blog but have made two recipes in two days, and am now super inspired to get back to freezer cooking! Thanks a million.
★★★★★
Hi Lisa! This recipe is one of my absolute favorites! I have family visiting (7 adults total – 5 grown men!) and I’m thinking of making a double batch too but didn’t know if I needed to cook them separately or dump it all in the crockpot. So that worked ok for you? What size crockpot did you use? And did you keep timing of cooking the same with double the ingredients?
★★★★★
Hey Tiffany. It will be a full crock and may take a little longer to cook through (although probably not much) if you double it in a 6 quart slow cooker, but it can be done. Or you could borrow an extra from a friend and have two batches going at once. Either way should work! Good luck
This looks delicious-I’m trying it! thanks!
I made this tonight & it was a hit per 5 kids, my hubby, mom & I! Loved the sweet potatoes in it! Yum! Thx for sharing!!! 🙂
Sweet! So glad to hear that!