Hearty Turkey Refried Bean Chili
This Hearty Turkey Refried Bean Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by the classic chili recipe from the BH&G Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes. Packed with protein from ground turkey and loaded with fiber-rich beans, it's perfect for a family meal or batch cooking for the week. This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker, but can easily be adapted for smaller sizes or prepared on the stovetop. With a delightful balance of spices and a hint of heat from thick and chunky salsa, this chili is sure to warm your soul. And don’t worry about leftovers—this chili freezes beautifully for a quick meal later on.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground turkey
1 1/4 lbs (browned)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Chili beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
Thick & chunky salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (of desired heat level)
Refried beans
1 (16 ounce) can (none)
Beef broth or beer
1 (14 ounce) can (or 1 (12 oz. bottle of beer))
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (of desired heat level)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey and chopped onion until the turkey is no longer pink and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
Transfer the browned turkey and onion mixture to the crock pot.
3
Add the chili beans, thick & chunky salsa, refried beans, and beef broth (or beer) to the crock pot.
4
Sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin, then stir everything together until well combined.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until warmed through and flavors meld.
6
When ready to serve, garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, and sour cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Turkey Refried Bean Chili?
It is a protein-packed and fiber-rich chili inspired by the BH&G Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes, featuring ground turkey and refried beans.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed for a 6-quart slow cooker.
Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for preparation on the stovetop.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
The chili should be cooked on low for 6 to 8 hours until flavors meld.
What is the cooking time if I use the high setting?
If using the high setting, the chili will be ready in 3 to 4 hours.
Is this chili freezer-friendly?
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully, making it perfect for quick future meals.
What meat is used in this chili?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of ground turkey.
Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey?
Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute for ground turkey if preferred.
What types of beans are included in this recipe?
This recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of chili beans and one 16-ounce can of refried beans.
Do I need to rinse the chili beans?
Yes, the instructions recommend that the chili beans be drained and rinsed before adding them to the crock pot.
Why are refried beans included in the recipe?
Refried beans help thicken the chili and provide a creamy, hearty texture.
Can I use beer instead of beef broth?
Yes, you can use one 12 oz. bottle of beer as a substitute for the 14 oz. can of beef broth.
What size jar of salsa is required?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce jar of thick and chunky salsa.
How much chili powder should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chili powder, adjusted to your desired heat level.
Does this recipe use ground cumin?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of ground cumin for extra flavor.
How do I prepare the turkey and onions?
Brown the ground turkey and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat from the turkey after browning?
Yes, ensure you drain any excess fat before transferring the mixture to the crock pot.
What kind of salsa works best?
A thick and chunky salsa of any heat level (mild, medium, or hot) is recommended.
How can I adjust the heat level of the chili?
You can control the heat by choosing the spice level of your salsa and the chili powder.
What toppings are recommended for serving?
Popular garnishes include shredded cheese, chopped onions, and sour cream.
Is this chili a high-protein meal?
Yes, the combination of ground turkey and multiple types of beans makes this a high-protein dish.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, the use of chili beans and refried beans makes this a fiber-rich meal.
Can I use a smaller slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted for smaller slow cooker sizes if needed.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 8 main ingredients.
What was the inspiration for this specific chili?
It was inspired by a classic recipe from the BH&G Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
What liquid options can be used for the base?
You can use either one 14-ounce can of beef broth or one 12-ounce bottle of beer.
How long does it take to brown the turkey?
It takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat.
Is this recipe suitable for batch cooking?
Yes, it is excellent for batch cooking and meal prep for the week.
Can I substitute the chili beans with other beans?
While chili beans are specified, you can substitute them with kidney or pinto beans if necessary.