This Slow Cooker Turkey Mince Chilli is a healthy, hearty dinner packed with five different vegetables to help you hit your 30 Plants a Week with ease. It’s a lighter twist on classic beef chilli, but still incredibly flavourful, high in protein, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the effort.
I love using turkey mince in slow cooker meals because it stays tender and absorbs so much flavour during the long cook. Paired with a colourful mix of vegetables, beans, tomatoes and warming spices, this chilli turns into a wholesome one-pot meal that the whole family will happily tuck into.
Even better, this recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep before the slow cooker takes over, making it ideal for days when you need dinner cooking in the background while you work, parent, or run errands.
Recipe Summary
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Chilli
- 5 different vegetables for a nutrition boost
- High protein and naturally lower in fat
- Takes 10 minutes to prepare
- Freezer-friendly and great for batch cooking
- Mild spice and family-friendly
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
Ingredients for Turkey Chilli
- Turkey Mince – I prefer 2% fat but you can also use 7% or a mixture.
- Beans – I use a tin each of kidney and black beans. You can use only one type of bean or swap either for a different bean. Pinto or black eye beans would work well.
- Tinned Tomatoes
- Onion and Garlic
- Carrot
- Bell Pepper – red or yellow work best for slow cooking.
- Sweetcorn – Canned or frozen. No need to defrost if using frozen.
- Tomato Puree – Tomato Paste if you are based in the USA
- Chicken Stock Cube – I use a low salt stock cube.
- Cumin, oregano and chilli powder – you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can also add cayenne pepper for a boost of heat.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
This turkey chilli reheats beautifully, so it is perfect for:
- Meal prepping lunches
- Freezing for a rainy day
- Feeding a crowd
- Weeknight leftovers
It thickens slightly as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of water when reheating.
What to Serve With Turkey Mince Chilli
I like to keep it simple, but here are some of my favourite options:
- Rice or quinoa
- Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Tortilla chips
- Crusty bread
- Soft tacos or wraps
And of course don’t skip the toppings:
Cheese, sour cream, avocado, coriander, spring onion and a squeeze of lime all take it to another level.
Cook on the Hob
I love the ease of a slow cooker dinner, but you can also cook this Turkey Chilli on the stovetop with a few adjustments:
- Follow the instructions to brown the turkey mince and stir in the spices and tomato paste.
- Add the diced carrot and bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beans and corn.
- Increase the water to 1.5 cups or 350ml and dissolve the stock cube before adding to the pot.
- Stir well, bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until thickened to your liking, stirring every so often.
Variations & Add-Ins
This chilli is super flexible. Why not try:
- Swap turkey for chicken or beef mince
- Add extra beans for fibre
- Make it extra spicy with chipotle paste or cayenne pepper
- Top with grated cheddar
- Use as a topping for nachos
Got Leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to cool and transfer to a freezer safe container. I use these ziploc freezer bags to freeze in portions. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water until piping hot.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chilli FAQs
Can I use beef mince instead of turkey?
Yes, beef works great. Just note it will be richer and slightly higher in fat.
Is it spicy?
It’s mild, but you can easily increase heat with extra cayenne or chipotle. Or add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to serve.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook 3 to 4 hours on high, or 6 to 8 hours on low.
Can I freeze turkey mince chilli?
Definitely. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months, and reheat with a splash of water.
How can I add more protein?
Stir through extra beans or serve with quinoa.
Can I cook this on the stove?
Yes, just increase the water to 1.5 cups or 350ml, bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
More Slow Cooker Recipes:
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chilli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 500 grams (1 lb) Turkey mince
- 1 Onion - diced
- 2 400g tin (1 28oz can) chopped tomatoes
- 1 400g tin (1 15oz can) black beans - drained and rinsed
- 1 400g tin (1 15oz can) kidney beans - drained and rinsed
- 2 medium carrots - diced
- 2 bell peppers - diced
- 1 198g tin (1 cup) sweet corn kernels - or use frozen
- 3 cloves garlic - diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste - tomato puree in USA
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 1 tbsp chilli powder
- 1.5 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp oregano
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper - optional, or add more if you like it hot
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft, then add the turkey mince.1 Onion, 500 grams (1 lb) Turkey mince
- Cook the mince until browned, breaking up with a spoon as you go. It doesn't need to be fully cooked at this point but caramelisation equals more flavour.
- Once the mince is browned, stir in the garlic, tomato paste and spices and cook for 1 more minute then tip everything into the slow cooker.3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp chilli powder, 1.5 tsp cumin, 2 tsp oregano
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker, including the water and chicken stock cube. Give everything a good stir then pop the lid on and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.2 400g tin (1 28oz can) chopped tomatoes, 1 400g tin (1 15oz can) black beans, 1 400g tin (1 15oz can) kidney beans, 2 medium carrots, 2 bell peppers, 1 198g tin (1 cup) sweet corn kernels, 1 chicken stock cube, ¼ cup water
- If you prefer a thicker chilli, cook on high with the lid off for the final 20-30 minutes.
- Season to taste then serve with rice or tortillas plus your favourite toppings.
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