This spooky slow cooker turkey lentil chili recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and warm you up on a chilly autumn evening. Made with lean ground turkey, hearty lentils, and a flavorful blend of spices, this chili is perfect for Halloween gatherings or cozy nights in. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it simmer away, filling your home with the aroma of deliciousness. Serve it with some crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked turkey to a slow cooker.
- Add the lentils, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir everything well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the chili is done cooking, adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the spooky slow cooker turkey lentil chili hot, garnished with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Using ground turkey instead of beef lowers the fat content of the chili without sacrificing flavor.
The slow cooker method allows the flavors to develop over time, resulting in a rich and delicious chili.
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to accommodate different serving sizes.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for future meals.