Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Prep: 30 minutes • Cook/Slowcook: 5 hours 20 minutes • Serves: 10

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey
1/4 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, minced
4-1/2 cups chopped skinless leftover or pre-cooked turkey meat (1-1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
4 teaspoons minced jalapeño pepper
1 can (15 ounces) chili hot beans, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) great Northern beans, drained
2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 medium yellow onions, coarsely chopped (2 cups)
1-1/2 green, red and/or orange bell peppers, coarsely chopped (2 cups)
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
Shredded Cheddar cheese and sour cream (optional)

1. In large saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until browned, breaking up turkey with side of spoon.

2. Stir in chili powder, cayenne, cumin and salt. Stir in crushed tomatoes, garlic, leftover turkey, cilantro and jalapeño. Stir in beans, celery, onions, bell peppers and broth; heat to boiling over high heat. Boil 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook chili 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Transfer chili to 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; cover and cook on high 5 to 6 hours. To serve, top chili with cheese and sour cream, if desired.

Approximate nutritional values per serving: 363 Calories, 13g Fat (32% of total calories), 2g Saturated Fat (5% of total calories), 83mg Cholesterol, 561mg Sodium, 32g Carbohydrates, 8g Fiber, 38g Protein

Dietary Exchanges: 2 Starch; 5 Protein; 3 Fat

Health Tip

Beans and legumes are a good source of protein, and lower in both fat and cholesterol than meat, making them the perfect meat alternative

Chef Tip

Enjoy this recipe year-round using rotisserie chicken or turkey.

To avoid a mess, use a large ladle to transfer chili to your slow cooker. For best results, pull and break apart your leftover turkey before adding it to the chili mixture.

Healthy substitute: To save calories, divide servings into smaller portions and substitute regular sour cream with fat-free sour cream.