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Crockpot Buffalo Turkey Chili - Hearty, Spicy, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed or tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup buffalo-style hot sauce (like Frank’s), to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (classic buffalo finish; optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)
  • Blue cheese crumbles or shredded cheddar, for serving
  • Sliced green onions, diced red onion, and/or chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling (optional)

Method
 

  1. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and lightly browned, 6–8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
  3. Add the base: Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes (or sauce), black beans, pinto/kidney beans, chicken broth, hot sauce, and tomato paste.
  4. Season it up: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, cayenne (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours. The flavors will meld and deepen over time.
  6. Finish with buffalo flair: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter until melted for that authentic buffalo richness. Add lime juice if you like a bright finish. Taste and adjust seasoning or hot sauce.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with blue cheese crumbles or cheddar. Garnish with green onions or cilantro. A light drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing is great if you love that classic combo.