So, picture this: I woke up seriously craving some good old-fashioned chili. I blame it on the cold weather and snow—I just needed something warm and comforting. My favorite ever is the Panera Bread turkey chili recipe but it has so much sodium and know it’s not the healthiest option. Now, I’ve tried making chili before, but honestly, I was never super thrilled with how it turned out.
So, being the savvy person I am, I turned to my awesome Instagram friends for help. I threw out a question in my stories, asking for their absolute best chili recipes, and you guys came through big time! My DMs were blowing up with all sorts of chili goodness, and I was pumped!
Here’s the funny part: after sifting through all those amazing recipes, I ended up going with the one my mom sent me. Who knew she had a killer chili recipe up her sleeve? Definitely not me! If only I had asked her first, right? But as soon as I saw her recipe, I was sold. Why? It had the fewest ingredients and the easiest steps of them all. Plus, she swore it was absolutely delicious, and I couldn’t resist giving it a shot. But with that said, shoutout to everyone who shared their favorites —you mamas are the best!
I ended up making it and wow!!! It’s just as delicious as the Panera Bread turkey chili recipe, but it’s much lower in sodium and dare I say – it’s even better!
This recipe is so easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner cook. And it only requires a few simple ingredients, plus your crockpot, so it’ll get done in the midst of your busy day!
Let’s talk toppings…
I topped mine with diced avocado and shredded cheese! Some other ideas for what to top it with are:
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Scallions
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeño chiles if you fancy the spice
- Chopped onions
- Elbow noodles
- Oyster crackers
You can also get creative, go sans spoon and buy Fritos Scoops to scoop up the chili right out of the bowl. Or pour some over salad!! There are no wrong ways to eat this chili because no matter what, it’s going to be YUM!!! That’s a promise.
Check out the easy recipe below!
It’s fool-proof and I know you’ll love it as much as we do!
THE BEST EASY AND CLASSIC CROCKPOT TURKEY CHILI YOU’LL EVER EAT
Equipment
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey meat
- 1 medium bell pepper any color works – I used orange!
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cans {15 oz each} kidney beans drained
- 2 pkg {1.25 oz each} chili seasoning mix I used a gluten-free version from McCormick
- 1 can {15 oz} tomato sauce use your favorite! I love Mutti!
- 1 can {10 oz} diced tomatoes and green chilis most brands have this combo – I used Red Gold
Instructions
- Brown turkey, pepper and onion in a pan on your stove-top. Then drain well.
- Place a liner into your slow-cooker {this is life changing!!! Shop them using the link below the recipe in the notes section}
- Pour the drained meat, pepper and onion mixture into your crock pot
- Add the remaining ingredients into the crock pot with the meat mixture
- Stir well! Place lid on slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 3 hours until heated through. Optional: stir the chili every hour.
- It's ready to eat! Enjoy and add toppings to your liking! See the body of the post for tons of chili topping ideas!
RECIPE NOTES:
- You can use regular beef in the recipe if you prefer that.
- You can find slow cooker liners here.
- I used McCormick Gluten-Free Chili Packets {which PS is actually a little spicy in a good way!!!} but you can use any chili packets, such as McCormick Original Chili Packets or even McCormick Mild Chili 30% Less Sodium Packets.
- It’s even better on day 2!!!!! If that’s possible!
And there you have it—my newfound go-to chili recipe, taken from my mom, of course! It truly captures that warm, hearty essence I’ve always loved in the Panera Bread turkey chili recipe, minus the guilt from excessive sodium. This turkey chili is simple to whip up and the best part is, it truly feels like a homemade masterpiece. Because it is!! This chili has earned its place as a staple in my household, and it’s a delicious remedy for those chilly days that cry out for something comforting. Give it a shot, and who knows, it might just become your favorite recipe too! Happy cooking, mamas!
EVER HEARD OF MASON JAR SALADS?
Mason Jar Salads are amazing! They are fresh, portable, and insanely delicious and I’m sharing how to make them, plus one of my favorite mason jar salad recipes ever!
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