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Crockpot White Bean Turkey Chili - Cozy, Hearty, 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
  

  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans such as cannellini or Great Northern, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, mild or hot
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup canned or frozen corn (optional, but delicious)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional, adds brightness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Toppings: diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack, Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced jalapeño, extra cilantro, tortilla chips, or lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Prep the aromatics: Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans.
  2. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground turkey, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Add the onion and bell pepper to the turkey. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season it: Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Let the spices toast for 30–60 seconds to bloom their flavor.
  5. Load the slow cooker: Transfer the turkey mixture to the crockpot. Add white beans, diced green chiles, corn, chicken broth, bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours. The flavors will meld and deepen as it simmers.
  7. Finish with freshness: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you like a thicker chili, mash a cup of beans against the side of the pot and stir back in, or let it cook uncovered on High for 15–20 minutes.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings. A dollop of Greek yogurt, a handful of shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro are hard to beat.