This Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey & Butternut Chili is a heartwarming and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It combines lean ground turkey with sweet butternut squash and a blend of flavorful spices, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that’s nutritious and delicious.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Add the chopped butternut squash, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth.
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the butternut squash is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 300 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Fat: 8g
Sodium: 500mg

Healthy Comfort Food

When thinking of comfort food, many immediately consider heavy, high-fat dishes, but this slow cooker turkey chili offers a healthy alternative. The lean turkey provides a good source of protein while the butternut squash adds a touch of natural sweetness and plenty of nutrients. Unlike traditional chili that’s often made with fatty cuts of beef, this version stays light while still being satisfying and flavorful.

Time-Saving Cooking

One of the standout features of slow cooker recipes is the time-saving element. For busy families or individuals, the hands-off nature of slow cooking is a game changer. You don’t need to watch over the pot constantly. Instead, you can go about your day while your slow cooker does the hard work. Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or spending time with family, this meal practically cooks itself.

Using Ground Turkey in Chili

Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein choice for chili, providing all the satisfying flavors of traditional ground beef but with far fewer calories and less fat. It also absorbs the spices and flavors in the dish beautifully, making it the perfect base for this chili recipe. If you’re looking to reduce your red meat intake or want a healthier chili, ground turkey is a fantastic option.

The Role of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is not only a great addition for flavor, but it also brings plenty of health benefits. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, essential for maintaining good eyesight and a healthy immune system. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash complements the savory spices, creating a balanced and flavorful chili base. Its firm texture also holds up well in the slow cooker, ensuring that it won’t disintegrate into the sauce.

Beans for Fiber and Nutrients

Beans are a fantastic source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer. In this recipe, both kidney beans and black beans are used, adding a hearty texture to the chili and boosting its nutritional profile. Beans are also rich in plant-based proteins, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet. The combination of beans and turkey makes this chili both filling and nutritious.

Spices That Elevate Flavor

The blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon in this recipe elevates the chili’s flavor profile. These spices provide warmth and depth, with the chili powder adding a mild heat and the cumin lending a smoky richness. Smoked paprika adds an earthy complexity, and the cinnamon offers a subtle sweetness that balances the dish’s savory notes. This spice combination makes the chili comforting without being overpowering.

Adjusting Spices to Taste

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how customizable it is. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can easily increase the amount of chili powder or even add a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, simply reduce the chili powder. You can also experiment with other spices like oregano, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cocoa powder to enhance the richness of the chili.

Why Slow Cooking Enhances Flavors

Slow cooking allows all the ingredients to meld together over time, intensifying the flavors and creating a deeper, more satisfying taste. As the turkey, vegetables, beans, and spices simmer, the flavors infuse into one another, resulting in a chili that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it’s only been cooking for a few.

Meal Prep Made Easy

The Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey & Butternut Chili is also great for meal prep. Because it’s a one-pot dish, it’s easy to store in containers and reheat for lunches or dinners throughout the week. The chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can even be frozen for longer storage. Having healthy, homemade meals ready to go makes sticking to your nutrition goals much easier.

Nutritional Benefits of This Chili

This chili is packed with vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that make it a balanced meal. The turkey provides a solid source of lean protein, while the beans and butternut squash offer fiber, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates. The spices also contribute to the dish’s anti-inflammatory properties, making it a satisfying and health-boosting meal. If you’re looking for a chili that’s both delicious and good for you, this recipe is an excellent choice.

Feeding a Crowd with Ease

If you’re hosting a gathering or want to make sure you have leftovers for the week, this recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. The slow cooker can handle large batches, so you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. It’s also a great dish for potlucks or family dinners, where everyone can enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal without much effort on your part.

Pairing Sides with Your Chili

Although the chili is hearty on its own, pairing it with a few simple sides can enhance the meal. Consider serving it with cornbread for a classic touch or a side salad to balance out the flavors. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the chili can also add a creamy texture that complements the spices beautifully.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Option

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an excellent option for those with food sensitivities or dietary restrictions. The focus on wholesome ingredients like turkey, beans, and vegetables ensures that it remains a nutritious meal without the need for gluten or dairy. If you prefer, you can top it with dairy-free cheese or sour cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Slow Cooker Cooking Tips

To make the most of your slow cooker, it’s important to layer your ingredients properly. Always place the denser, slower-cooking items like meat and root vegetables at the bottom of the pot. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out. Also, avoid opening the lid too frequently while the chili is cooking, as this lets heat escape and can extend the cooking time.

Freezer-Friendly Meal

For busy weeks when you don’t have time to cook, this chili makes a great freezer-friendly meal. After it’s cooked and cooled, divide it into portions and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal that tastes just as good as when it was freshly made.

Chili Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of variations you can try to make it your own. For example, you could swap out the turkey for chicken or even ground beef if you prefer a different protein. Adding different vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes is another way to switch things up while keeping the chili hearty and healthy.

Vegan Version of the Chili

For those who follow a vegan or plant-based diet, this chili can be easily adapted. Replace the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh, and ensure you’re using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This version will still deliver the same rich flavors, and it’s an excellent way to enjoy a comforting chili without animal products.

Perfect for Cold Weather

This chili is especially perfect for the colder months when you’re craving a warm, filling meal. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with inviting aromas as it cooks, creating the perfect ambiance for cozy nights in. It’s the ideal meal to enjoy after a long day of outdoor activities, providing warmth and nourishment.

Why This Chili is a Great Family Meal

The Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey & Butternut Chili is a fantastic family meal because it’s full of flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy. The slightly sweet butternut squash adds an interesting twist, while the beans and turkey provide enough protein to keep everyone satisfied. Plus, the ease of preparing it makes it an excellent choice for busy parents.

Conclusion

This Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey & Butternut Chili offers a satisfying and nutritious option for those seeking comfort food without the guilt. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prepping, making it ideal for families, busy individuals, or anyone looking for a delicious and healthy meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing for the week ahead, this chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the warming flavors of turkey, beans, and butternut squash, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker for a meal that’s as easy as it is tasty.

0 Shares