Loaded with lean ground turkey, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, and mild spices, this crockpot turkey chili recipe is easy to make (without beans!) and perfect for kiddos and picky eaters. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for a cozy weeknight meal or back-to-school lunch.
Kid-Friendly Crockpot Turkey Chili
This easy crockpot turkey chili has ground turkey, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, and warm, savory spices. I created it for my daughter, who doesn’t like beans or overly spicy food. It’s mild enough for her but still hearty and full of flavor. I can start it in the morning and come back to dinner ready to serve.
Now that the weather is cooler, my slow cooker recipes are back in my weekly meal rotation. If you’re craving more chili, try my slow cooker beef chili recipe, crockpot chicken taco chili, and turkey white bean pumpkin chili.
Why the Whole Family Loves This Turkey Chili Recipe
I’ve heard from readers who’ve said this chili quickly becomes a favorite, not just for kids or picky eaters, but for occasions when they’re catering to a crowd, like potlucks and game days. I can say the same! The flavors are super versatile, so just about everyone loves this turkey chili. Here’s why:
- Super easy to make: I made this ground turkey chili recipe in the crockpot, but you can also simmer it on the stove in about an hour.
- Made without beans, and the mild and savory flavors make this “kid-friendly” chili easy to suit most palates. You can easily adapt the recipe or the spiciness, too. Add extras like canned beans, sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chilli flakes.
- Lunchbox approved: I used to send this turkey chili to school with my daughters, who rarely ate sandwiches but loved warm lunches (this Foogo leak-proof thermos remains a favorite).
- Cook once, freeze the extras for later: This slow cooker turkey chili makes several servings, and you can easily double it and store or freeze your turkey chili for future freezer-friendly meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes in this kid-friendly turkey chili recipe. See the recipe card for the exact measurements and printable instructions.
- Ground turkey is mild-flavored and lean, and you can also use ground chicken, beef, or pork in this recipe.
- Oil – This can be olive oil or your choice of cooking oil.
- Onion and garlic create an aromatic flavor base for the chili. If your kids are anti-onion, swap 1 medium onion (diced) with 1 tablespoon of onion powder. You can also replace one garlic clove with ¼-½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Red bell pepper, or any color you prefer.
- Frozen corn kernels – You can also use canned corn; if so, rinse and drain the corn and add it closer to the end of cooking.
- Rotel Mild Tomatoes – If needed, substitute Rotel with jarred mild salsa or a can of regular diced tomatoes.
- Plain tomato sauce or marinara sauce adds depth of flavor to the tomato gravy.
- Low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth.
- Spices – These include cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and a bay leaf. Adjust the chili powder for a milder or spicier chili.
Best Chili Toppings
Serve this chili with any toppings your family loves. These are just a few of my favorites:
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Pickled onions
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese
- Baked tortilla chips
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Chili
Before assembling the ingredients in the slow cooker, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to brown the ground meat and veggies in a skillet. Browning builds flavor, and your slow cooker chili will be better off for it.
- Cook the meat. Start by adding the ground turkey to a skillet. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat while it browns. When it’s no longer pink, transfer the turkey to your slow cooker.
- Sauté the aromatics. Next, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper with a little oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
- Load the slow cooker. Add the veggies to the crockpot along with the corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices. Give everything a good stir, then pour over the chicken broth and drop in a bay leaf.
- Cook. Set the crockpot to cook on High for 4 hours, or on Low for 6 hours. When it’s time to serve, fill your bowls with chili and add your favorite toppings.
Can I Make This On the Stove?
Yes! Instead of a skillet, use a large pot or Dutch oven. The steps to prepare this turkey chili on the stove are very similar to the slow cooker directions:
- Brown the turkey, then add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings, then the chicken broth and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and simmer the chili over low heat for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally. Season to taste again at the very end and serve as usual.
You can also make this in the Instant Pot following the cooking directions in my 3-bean turkey chili recipe (leaving out the beans).
Crockpot Turkey Chili (Kid-Friendly!)
Ingredients
- 1.3 pounds 99% lean ground turkey, or 93% for more tender meat
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced fine
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 10 oz can Rotel Mild Tomatoes
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Toppings:
- avocado, diced
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- Baked tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the turkey, season with salt, and cook, breaking up with a spoon until the turkey browns and is no longer pink; place into the slow cooker.
- Add the oil to the skillet and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Spoon the veggies over the turkey in the slow cooker, then stir in corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Pour chicken broth into the crockpot and add the bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
- Serve with desired toppings.
Last Step:
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Nutrition
Easy Variations
- Swap turkey with ground beef or ground chicken (or shredded chicken).
- Add more veggies, like diced zucchini.
- Add canned beans, like black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans (rinse and drain them first).
- Swap mild Rotel tomatoes with diced tomatoes and chiles.
- For a looser chili, add an extra can of Rotel.
What to Serve With Crockpot Turkey Chili
This crockpot turkey chili is a hearty dinner in a bowl. To bulk up your meal even more, pile this turkey chili on top of a baked potato or use it to fill stuffed peppers or stuffed acorn squash. Or, try any of these side dish ideas.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze this chili in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm up portions in the microwave, or you can reheat larger servings on the stovetop.
Get Creative With Leftovers
Beyond a classic bowl of chili, there are so many great ways to enjoy chili leftovers. Cut open an avocado, remove the pit, and fill it with chili and toppings. It is SO good! Or, make a chili dog by serving it over a hot dog.