To get Maria Makes updates delivered to your inbox, subscribe via email here.
Chili is one of those dishes that EVERYONE puts their own spin on. Everyone has their own special recipe that's a little bit different than the next one -- secret ingredients, special spice mixes, beer, chocolate, beans vs no beans.
I have never had a go-to chili recipe... UNTIL NOW. I decided to make up my own recipe based on my favorite things in a good bowl of chili -- a little heat, a little sweet, lots of beans, and corn! What's in my spice mix? Chili powder, cumin, chipotle chile powder, and CINNAMON. This version is filling and stick-to-your-ribs delicious but it is actually made up of all healthy ingredients!
Introducing my new go-to Crock Pot Turkey Chili recipe. Soon to be your favorite too :)
This makes a TON of chili, and the recipe is meant for a 6 quart crock pot. I like to make a big batch, have it for dinner 2 nights during the week, then freeze the rest for lunches.
Serve it up with these Green Chile Jiffy Corn Muffins for a perfect combination. And PS - if you have not yet invested in these Reynolds Slow Cooker liners, I'm here to tell you, TOTALLY worth it if you're lazy like me.
Go-To Crock Pot Turkey Chili
Makes: 10 servings
Ingredients:
2 lb lean ground turkey
2 medium onions, chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I used Olive Oil & Garlic)
1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
2 15 oz cans dark red kidney beans, low sodium, drained/rinsed
2 15 oz cans black beans, low sodium, drained/rinsed
2 green bell peppers, chopped
24 oz frozen corn (more or less depending on how much you like!)
3 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
salt & pepper
Instructions:
Heat a large skillet or soup pot over medium high. Cook ground turkey, onions, and garlic, breaking up the turkey as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper and cook until turkey is browned.
Add turkey and onions to slow cooker along with tomatoes, beans, peppers, brown sugar, and spices. Just so you're prepared, your crock pot is going to be REALLY full. And the chili will look pretty thick, but it thins out a bit as the veggies cook down throughout the day.
TIP: If you like your chili spicy, up the cayenne and/or chipotle chili powder. Don't leave out the chipotle! It gives a nice smoky flavor. Worth buying if you don't already have it on hand!
Add the corn now if you'd like OR wait until about 10 minutes before serving to keep it fresh and sweet. It will be delish either way!
Stir to combine. Cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4 hours). If you didn't add your corn at the beginning, mix it in for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
TIP: You can brown the turkey and mix everything together the night before. Just refrigerate overnight and pop the stoneware insert into your crock pot in the morning before work!
Since this makes a TON -- either plan to eat it all week, or portion some out into freezer-safe containers for future lunches/dinners!
