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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Chili Recipes

Three Bean Turkey Chili

Published: Feb 18, 2024 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 10 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Hearty and healthy, Three Bean Turkey Chili is easy in your crock pot or made it fast on the stovetop with ground turkey, beans, and pantry ingredients.

One of my best chili recipes, it has world-class taste and is guilt-free, with less than 3 grams of fat and 220 calories per serving.

Ingredients

Ground turkey
Vegetablesโ€”onion, celery, jalapeno pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato paste
Pantry ingredientsโ€”chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper
Beansโ€”pinto, black, and kidney beans

turkey chili with sour cream in a bowl.
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • Ingredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Cook Turkey Chili in a Crock Potโ€”Step-by-Step Photos
  • โ™จ๏ธMaking turkey chili on the stovetop
  • Make it your wayโ€”variations and options.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ŠFavorite chili recipes
  • โ†•๏ธSize of the crock pot and adjusting the recipe size
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Serving
  • Storage of leftovers
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

Featured Comment from Dea
"WOW!!!!! Made this for the first time today and so much great flavor!!!! The house smelled so good I could barely wait for dinner time!!! "

A flexible recipe that can use other ground meat, leftover turkey, or rotisserie chickenโ€”or skip the meat and make it as vegetarian chili. Instructions for 2-quart mini crock pots to full size are in the discussion. And if you need it fast, opt for the stovetop methodโ€”ready in 30 minutes.

The beans in this chili are a balance of kidney beans with pinto and black beans, although you may substitute white beans like great northern or navy beansโ€”โ€“all in a flavorful spicy broth.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Cook Turkey Chili in a Crock Potโ€”Step-by-Step Photos

ground turkey with beans and chili ingredients.

1. Use ground turkey; other meat may be used, or go vegetarian.

browning ground turkey.

2. Brown the meat.

chop onion, celery, and jalapeno.

3. Dice the celery, onion, and jalapeno pepper.

rinsing beans under running water.

4. Drain and rinse the beans.

pouring browned ground meat into crock pot.

5. Mix all ingredients in the crock pot.

Ladle full of turkey chili over a crock pot.

6. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete instructions and to print.

โ™จ๏ธMaking turkey chili on the stovetop

This is a fast and easy recipe to cook on the stovetop. It will be done in as little as 30 minutes, but the longer it simmers, the better. Try for an hour or more if you can.

  1. Start browning the meat in a large Dutch oven-type pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and celery while you do that. When browned and the celery and onion are tender, drain any liquid.
  2. Stir in all the other ingredients, then bring to a low boil over medium heat. Then, decrease the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for a minimum of 15 minutes, but an hour is better.
  3. If using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken, add it after cooking the onion and celery in a bit of oil.

Make it your wayโ€”variations and options.

  • I prefer ground turkey in this recipe or use other ground meat. Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken may be substitutedโ€”2 to 3 cups per pound of ground meat. Or leave the meat out for a delicious vegetarian chili.
  • Any combination of beans will work. I suggest pinto, black, and light kidney beans. Use low sodium, drain, and rinse. Other beans, like white beans, may be used.
  • You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or green chilies.
  • This is a thick chili if you use 1 cup of broth. If you want medium thick, use 2 cups of broth. Add 1-2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth for a turkey soup thickness.
  • This is about a 2-3 out of 10 on a heat scale with the jalapeno but no Ro-Tel. A level the whole family, even the kids, will love. Add the Ro-Tel will be about 4 out of 10 level of heat. And add a second jalapeno for 6 out of 7.

๐Ÿ˜ŠFavorite chili recipes

Don't miss some of my favorite chili recipes, like Small Crock Pot Chili and Small Crock Pot White Chicken Chili.

Healthier chili recipes, try Pork Chili, Simple Texas Chili, and Healthy White Chicken Chili.

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โ†•๏ธSize of the crock pot and adjusting the recipe size

The full recipe makes 12-13 cups of 8 servings of 1 ยฝ+ cup each. Crock pots should not be filled over 75%, so that needs 4 ยฝ quarts or larger.

To use a 2-quart mini-crock pot, make a half recipe, but do not add the broth until the end of cooking. Otherwise, a half recipe needs a 2 ยฝ quart or larger slow cooker.

A double recipe would need a large crock of 8 quarts or larger. If you want a larger recipe, increase the recipe by 50% to 12 servings that will work in a 6 ยฝ quart or larger crock pot.

  1. Use the recipe card and adjust the number of servings to 4 for a half recipe or 12 for a larger recipe of 150%.
  2. Use the amount of ingredients in the ingredient list, not the instructionsโ€”those do not adjust.
  3. Use the crock pot size discussed above.
  4. Cook for the same amount of time.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Serving

I like to top tomato-based chili with a dollop of sour cream and a shredded cheddar cheese sprinkle. Then garnish with a slice of avocado, sliced scallions, or cilantro.

Serve with tortilla chips, low-fat biscuits, cornbread, or cornbread biscuits, and you have a filling and hearty chili dinner.

Storage of leftovers

To store leftover chili, it is good in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4 days or frozen for 4 months.

If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat in a saucepan. You can reheat it in a microwave, also.

โ“FAQs

Why add Worcestershire sauce to the chili?

The Worcestershire sauce pops up the "meaty" to almost beef-like taste for the turkey.

Why brown ground meat before cooking in a crock pot?

Any ground meat needs to be browned before cooking in a slow cooker. If you don't, the meat will clump, and all the fatty drainage will be in the crock pot.

How to control the sodium in chili?

There are three steps to control the sodium in chili. The first is obvious: don't add extra salt.

Next, only buy low-sodium ingredients. Canned beans, broth, and Worcheshire sauce are available in most markets.

Lastly, rinsing the beans also removes some sodiumโ€”estimates vary, but removing about a third of the sodium is the common estimate.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

101's Best Recipes, Chili Recipes, Crock Pot Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Low Fat Recipes, Mini Crock Pot Recipes, Small Crock Pots Recipes

Have you tried this recipe, or have a question? Join the community discussion in the comments.

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

turkey chili with sour cream in a bowl.

Three Bean Turkey Chili

4.93 from 28 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
Hearty and healthy, Three Bean Turkey Chili is easy in your crock pot or made it fast on the stovetop with ground turkey, beans, and pantry ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours hours
Total Time: 6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :8 of 1 ยฝ cups
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Video Slideshow

Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 ribs celery - Diced
  • 1 onion - Large
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • 28 oz dice tomatoes - may substitute one 10 oz can of RoTel for one 14 oz can of diced tomatoes.
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 to 2 cups chicken broth - Low sodium
  • 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - Low sodium if possible
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt - adjust to taste
  • ยฝ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 45-48 oz Beans-pinto, black, and light kidney beans suggestedโ€”low sodium and rinsing. - three cans

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Start by browning 1 pound of ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    browning ground turkey.
  • Dice two ribs of celery and one large onion. Dice one jalapeno pepper.
    chop onion, celery, and jalapeno.
  • Rinse and drain three cans of beans; low sodium preferred. I used pinto, black, and light kidney beans, and that is the combination I recommend.
    rinsing black beans under running water
  • To a 4 ยฝ quart or larger crock pot, add the cooked ground meat, prepared veggies, and two 14 oz cans of diced tomatoes (substitute one 10 oz can of Ro-Tel for one can if you want.) Also, add one 6 oz can of tomato paste, 1 to 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth, 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ยฝ teaspoon salt, ยฝ teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
    pouring browned ground meat into crock pot.
  • Mix well. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
    Ladle full of turkey chili over a crock pot.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips

  1. Instructions for adjusting the size of this recipe are in the post.
  2. This recipe adapts well to precooked shredded meat like leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken. Just add 2-3 cups the last hour of cooking and skip the ground meat. Details in the post.
  3. Use the ground meat of your choice, but I prefer ground turkey. Just skip the meat and use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
  4. Substitute a can of Ro-Tel for one can of the diced tomatoes for added taste and a bit more heat.
  5. This is about a 2-3 out of 10 on a heat scale. You can add a second jalapeno, use the Ro-Tel, or add ยผ-1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
  6. If sodium is a concern, use lower sodium products and rinse the beans well.
  7. I assume a serving size of about 1 ยฝ cups per serving. This should be good in the refrigerator for 4 days. It will freeze well for 4 months.

Stovetop Method

  1. This is an easy recipe to cook on the stovetop. It will be done in as little as 30 minutes, but the longer it simmers, the better. Try for an hour or more if you can.
  2. Start with browning the meat in a large Dutch oven-type pan. Add the onions and celery while you do that. When browned and the celery and onion are tender, drain any liquid.
  3. Add all the other ingredients and bring to a low boil over medium heat. Then, decrease the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for a minimum of 15 minutes, but an hour is better.
  4. If using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken, add 2-3 cups after cooking the onion and celery in a bit of oil.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 210.5 kcal (11%)Carbohydrates : 28.2 g (9%)Protein : 22.3 g (45%)Fat : 2.4 g (4%)Saturated Fat : 0.5 g (3%)Polyunsaturated Fat : 0.9 gMonounsaturated Fat : 0.6 gTrans Fat : 0.1 gCholesterol : 31.2 mg (10%)Sodium : 702.3 mg (29%)Potassium : 1010 mg (29%)Fiber : 8.8 g (35%)Sugar : 8.2 g (9%)Vitamin A : 1117.1 IU (22%)Vitamin C : 18.5 mg (22%)Calcium : 92.7 mg (9%)Iron : 4.2 mg (23%)

Editor Note: Originally published November 1, 2014. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

Molly running in the snow with bandana.

More Chili Recipes

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  • spoonful of white chicken chili.
    Small Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
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    Crock Pot Taco Soup
  • orange bowl with chili with cheese
    Small Crock Pot Chili

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  1. Barbara says

    April 27, 2022 at 10:19 am

    5 stars
    Iโ€™m so happy that I found this website. Thank you Dr. Dan! I bought ingredients for three recipes last week, but I made the 3 bean turkey chili twice because it was so good. I make it on the stovetop. My long-term plan is to make a variety of meals for the freezer, but when Iโ€™m not eating this, Iโ€™m thinking about it!

    Reply
  2. Dea Varner says

    March 12, 2018 at 8:33 pm

    WOW!!!!! Made this for the first time today and sooooo much great flavor!!!! The house smelled so good I could barely wait for dinner time!!! The husband who tends to be a chili purest and usually only likes beef in his chili, went back for seconds, raving about how good it was!!! This recipe is totally a keeper, worthy of 5 stars and will definitely be made again!

    Reply
  3. Valerie says

    November 30, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    I made this chili with ground turkey and it was delicious! Tomorrow I think I'll make it without the meat for my sister who is a vegetarian. I will use vegetable broth instead of the chicken. I'll let you know how she likes it!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      November 30, 2016 at 10:10 pm

      Hi Valerie,

      I did this once veggie and thought it was excellent, just as good as the turkey. Actually, a beef version was not quite as good I though.

      Thanks for the note
      Dan

    • Vernon says

      March 10, 2022 at 9:55 pm

      Made this today. Dang! Really really, did I said really great. I usually put hot sauce in my chill. Not this time. Just about as your pork tenderloin recipe, which I love!!!!!

  4. Brandon says

    June 17, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    Amazing quick chili recipe. I added bell peppers (orange red and green) because I love the flavor they bring to the chili and the juice. Also I think you meant two ribs of celery, not two stalks ^.^

    Reply
    • Brian says

      April 12, 2022 at 2:47 am

      5 stars
      Yes, chopped green and red bell peppers up the flavor, color, and nutrition.
      I use 90 - 93% lean ground sirloin (or similar beef on sale) which needs no draining, plus several tablespoons of healthy olive oil. A bottle of lager beer substituted for the broth works, too, as a variation. A mashed anchovy or two boosts the umami aspect without a trace of fishiness; if used omit the Worcestershire sauce.

      As expected, even better on reheating the next day. Our standard chili!

  5. Karen says

    December 03, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    5 stars
    We made this using one half pound of ground turkey. It is so flavorful, I would not hesitate to do it completely meatless. My husband liked it so much, he said just forget all those other chili recipes and use this all the time! Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      December 03, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      I really like this recipe and think it will be a major part of my after holiday diet.
      Thanks so much for the note and rating.
      DrDan

  6. Cathie says

    November 08, 2014 at 6:21 pm

    excellent recipe. We can't get RoTel brand in Canada so I substituted two cans of tomatoes with garlic oil and one can of green chilies. Left out jalapeรฑo as we don't like too much heat.

    Enjoy your blog and your dogs!

    Reply

DrDan imageHi, I'm DrDan.
Welcome to 101 Cooking for Two, the home of great everyday recipes with easy step-by-step photo instructions.
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