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4.6 from 87 votes

Slow Cooker Italian Turkey Chili

This Slow Cooker Italian Turkey Chili is perfect for Italian food lovers! All the components of traditional turkey chili, but with Italian flair.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 355 kcal
Course: Soup , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey, I used 90/10%
  • 1/2 pound Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • (2) ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 5 ounces baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 parmesan cheese rind, optional, but recommended
  • ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped flat leaf parsley and basil for toppings.

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Swirl the oil around the bottom of the skillet then sauté the onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add in the garlic and sauté another 30 seconds. Add in the ground turkey and turkey sausage and season with a little more salt and pepper. Crumble the turkey and cook until it's browned and mostly cooked through. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir everything together. Cover with the lid and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. When the chili is done, remove the parmesan cheese rind and discard. Serve the chili topped with shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese and chopped flat leaf parsley or basil.

Notes

  • If you can't find cannellini beans replace with great northern beans
  • To get the ricotta smooth and creamy like I did in the photos, stick it in a food processor or high speed blender with a splash of milk and purée until smooth.
  • Toppings not included in nutritional information.

Nutrition Information

Calories 355kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 35g (70%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Cholesterol 68mg (23%) Sodium 861mg (36%) Fiber 11g (44%) Sugar 12g (24%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 355

% Daily Value*

Calories 355kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Protein 35g 70%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Cholesterol 68mg 23%
Sodium 861mg 36%
Fiber 11g 44%
Sugar 12g 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.