Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili

When it comes to family-friendly meals, Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili is one of my absolute favorites. I remember the first time I decided to whip this up on a chilly evening. The kids had just come in from playing outside, their cheeks flushed with cold air, and I wanted to create something warm and comforting to greet them. As the savory aroma of spices and simmering ingredients filled the kitchen, I knew I had made the right choice. Not only is this chili packed with flavor, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients that the little ones might otherwise shy away from. The best part? It’s all made effortlessly in the slow cooker, giving you more time to catch up with your family while it does the work for you.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. The beauty of Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili lies in its versatility. You can customize the toppings, adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s palate, and even throw in extra vegetables for a nutritional boost. I love how it brings everyone together, with bowls of chili being passed around, laughter filling the room, and the kids excitedly asking for seconds. It’s a dish that creates memories, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

So, let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a place in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili

For this Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili, the ingredients work together harmoniously to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. The combination of lean turkey, vibrant vegetables, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that warms the heart. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.3 lbs 99% lean ground turkey – This lean meat serves as the base, providing protein without too much fat.
• 1 teaspoon oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables to add flavor.
• 1 medium onion, minced – Adds depth and sweetness to the chili.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced fine – Contributes color and crunch.
• 1 garlic clove, minced – Brings a fragrant aroma and enhances flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels – Sweet and nutritious, a great addition to the chili.
• 10 oz can Rotel Mild Tomatoes – Adds moisture and a hint of spice.
• 8 oz small can plain tomato sauce – Helps to bind everything together.
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth – Adds extra flavor and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – A warm spice that enhances the chili’s profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – For that classic chili flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the flavors.
• 1 bay leaf – Adds a depth of flavor while cooking.
• diced avocado – Fresh topping for a creamy finish.
• reduced fat sour cream – A cooling complement to the spices.
• reduced fat shredded cheese – Adds creaminess and richness.
• baked tortilla chips – For crunch and a fun way to serve.

How to Make Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili

Making Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to create a hearty meal that your family will love. Just gather your ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic!

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the 99% lean ground turkey. Season it with kosher salt and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. You should see the turkey browning nicely and turning from pink to a light golden brown. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the turkey to your slow cooker.
2. Next, you’ll want to use the same skillet to sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Add the oil to the skillet and turn the heat down to medium. Sauté these veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. The onions should turn translucent, and the peppers should soften. This step is crucial for layering flavors in your chili.
3. Once the vegetables are cooked, spoon them over the turkey in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, add in the frozen corn kernels, Rotel Mild Tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and kosher salt. Mix until everything is well blended, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Pour the low sodium chicken broth into the crock pot and add the bay leaf. This will add more moisture and flavor to the chili. Make sure to press everything down a bit to ensure it’s submerged in the broth.
5. Now it’s time to cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to set it on HIGH for about 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours, depending on your schedule. Either way, you can expect a delicious aroma to fill your kitchen as it cooks!
6. After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. Be cautious of the steam! You’ll want to give the chili a good stir, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
7. Finally, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of diced avocado, reduced fat sour cream, reduced fat shredded cheese, and baked tortilla chips. Enjoy your warm and delicious Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili with your family!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking to customize or adapt your Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili, you have plenty of options to make it your own!

• Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Spice Variation: For a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground turkey with a mix of beans (like black beans or kidney beans) for a vegetarian version.
• Serving Style: Try serving this chili in a bread bowl for a fun and interactive meal!

Serving Options for Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili

When it comes to serving Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Accompanying Side Dishes: Pair your chili with warm cornbread or rice for a hearty meal. These sides can help balance the flavors and make for a satisfying dinner.
• Garnishing Options: Don’t shy away from creative garnishes! Add diced green onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
• Perfect Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinner parties, or even game day. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to various tastes.
• Storage Tips: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving, and it’ll taste just as delicious!
• Seasonal Pairings: In the winter months, serve with a warm salad or roasted vegetables. In the summer, you can enjoy it with a refreshing coleslaw.
• Interactive Meal: Set up a toppings bar with all your favorite condiments so everyone can customize their bowl of chili!

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili is a heartwarming dish that perfectly combines flavor and nutrition. It’s an easy recipe that brings families together around the dinner table. I encourage you to try this comforting chili recipe, perfect for any occasion, and experience the joy it brings to your home. Your family will thank you for it!

Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili

Warm up your family with this delicious and nutritious Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it's the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. You'll love how simple it is to customize with your favorite toppings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.3 lbs 99% lean ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced fine
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1.5 cups frozen corn kernels
• 10 oz can Rotel Mild Tomatoes
• 8 oz small can plain tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf
• diced avocado
• reduced fat sour cream
• reduced fat shredded cheese
• baked tortilla chips

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Blender
• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the 99% lean ground turkey. Season it with kosher salt and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. You should see the turkey browning nicely and turning from pink to a light golden brown. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the turkey to your slow cooker.
2. Next, you’ll want to use the same skillet to sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Add the oil to the skillet and turn the heat down to medium. Sauté these veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. The onions should turn translucent, and the peppers should soften. This step is crucial for layering flavors in your chili.
3. Once the vegetables are cooked, spoon them over the turkey in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, add in the frozen corn kernels, Rotel Mild Tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and kosher salt. Mix until everything is well blended, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Pour the low sodium chicken broth into the crock pot and add the bay leaf. This will add more moisture and flavor to the chili. Make sure to press everything down a bit to ensure it's submerged in the broth.
5. Now it's time to cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to set it on HIGH for about 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours, depending on your schedule. Either way, you can expect a delicious aroma to fill your kitchen as it cooks!
6. After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. Be cautious of the steam! You’ll want to give the chili a good stir, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
7. Finally, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of diced avocado, reduced fat sour cream, reduced fat shredded cheese, and baked tortilla chips. Enjoy your warm and delicious Kid Friendly Crock Pot Turkey Chili with your family!

Notes

• Tip 1: If you have leftovers, allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Tip 2: To freeze, place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Tip 3: Serve with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: For a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce before serving.
• Tip 5: Substitute the ground turkey with a mix of beans (like black beans or kidney beans) for a vegetarian version.

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