Hearty & Healthy: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili Recipe for Family & Game Day
Who doesn’t love a comforting bowl of chili? This healthy, protein-packed Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili is designed to be your family’s new favorite, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings or serving as a crowd-pleasing game day meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, nourishing, and delicious!
Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili
There’s something uniquely comforting about a slow cooker recipe, especially as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp. As a busy individual, or perhaps a new parent anticipating a newborn, having a reliable crockpot recipe in your arsenal is a true lifesaver. This Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili fits the bill perfectly, offering a hands-off approach to a deliciously satisfying meal.
When you hear “kale in chili,” you might raise an eyebrow, but trust me on this one. The kale in this recipe is incredibly subtle, blending seamlessly into the rich, savory flavors of the chili. Even the pickiest eaters, like my own kids, won’t even notice this powerhouse green hiding in their bowl! This means you can feel fantastic about serving your family a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s also incredibly healthy and full of essential nutrients.
Beyond its health benefits, this turkey kale chili is a fantastic choice for game day gatherings or any casual get-together. Imagine the convenience of simply throwing all the ingredients into your crockpot and letting it simmer to perfection while you enjoy the game or spend time with loved ones. By the time guests arrive, a warm, inviting pot of flavorful chili will be ready to serve. I love to elevate the experience by setting out a vibrant spread of garnishes. Think fresh cilantro, a dollop of cooling sour cream or Greek yogurt, crunchy tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and finely diced red onion. This allows everyone to customize their chili just the way they like it, making it an interactive and enjoyable meal.
Having a few go-to chili recipes is essential for the fall and winter seasons. Not only are they super easy to prepare, but chili also makes for fantastic leftovers. I often make a large batch, knowing I can freeze several portions for quick, wholesome meals on busy weeknights. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!
Partnering for a Cause: Produce for Kids & Meijer
I am especially thrilled to share this Hearty Turkey Kale Chili recipe today because it aligns with a wonderful initiative. I’m proud to be partnering with Produce for Kids and Meijer for their annual campaign, which runs from September 4th to October 1st. This fantastic program is dedicated to raising funds for Jump with Jill, an award-winning rock & roll nutrition show that educates children on healthy eating habits.
The Produce for Kids campaign at Meijer stores offers shoppers not just delicious recipes like this chili, but also healthy meal solutions and valuable tips to encourage families to make nutritious choices. Since its inception in 2013, Produce for Kids has generously donated an impressive $378,508 to Jump with Jill. This significant contribution has directly supported over 75 schools within the Meijer footprint since Fall 2014, helping countless children learn about the importance of fresh produce and an active lifestyle. By simply purchasing participating brands at Meijer during the campaign dates, you can play a vital role in supporting this invaluable cause.
During the campaign period, residents of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin (who are at least 18 years old or parents/guardians on behalf of minors) have an exciting opportunity. You can post pictures of your family shopping, preparing, or cooking a meal with the hashtag #FamilyFoodRockstar for a chance to win a $100 Meijer gift card! It’s a fun way to share your healthy family food journey and potentially win a great prize while supporting a good cause.
This initiative is made possible by the dedication of nine participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers, representing a wide variety of essential produce categories. Their commitment helps ensure that nutritious options are accessible and promoted to families. These valued sponsors include:
- Dole® Packaged Salads
- Earthbound Farm® Organic Mixed Baby Kale
- Highline Mushrooms®
- SUNSET® Campari® Brand Cocktail Tomatoes
- Michigan Apples
- Pero Family Farms® Steamy Cut Vegetables
- Green Giant™ Fresh Klondike Rose® & Red Potatoes
- Lil Snappers® Bartlett Pears from Stemilt Growers
- Marzetti® Caramel Dip
To learn more about how you can support this impactful campaign and discover more healthy recipes, visit www.produceforkids.com/Meijer. For an even wider array of recipes that are approved by registered dietitians and tested by families, check out ProduceForKids.com, featuring over 200 family-friendly options. Make sure to follow Produce for Kids on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat (ProduceforKids) for continuous recipe inspiration and healthy eating tips throughout the year. You can also find details on how to participate in their events here!
Stay connected with the program and get the latest recipe tips and information by following the hashtag #produceforkids on social media.
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.
Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili
Saved
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, seeded, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, chopped {optional for spice}
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper , {optional for spice}
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans diced tomatoes, drained
- 15 oz. low-sodium black beans, drained, rinsed
- 15 oz. corn, drained, no salt added
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups baby kale
- 2 Greek yogurt for garnish
- Unsalted tortilla chips, crushed for garnish
- Cilantro, fresh for garnish
- red onion, Diced for garnish
- Cheese, shredded for garnish
Instructions
-
Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Transfer the browned turkey to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, optional chopped jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, dried oregano, tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn (no salt added), and low-sodium chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
-
After 4 1/2 hours of cooking, carefully remove the lid. Add the 4 cups of baby kale to the slow cooker and stir gently until the kale is submerged in the chili. Replace the lid and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and the chili is thoroughly heated through.
-
Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings such as Greek yogurt (or sour cream), crushed unsalted tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Meat Variations: While turkey is great for a lean option, feel free to use other ground meats like lean ground beef or chicken. For a vegetarian chili, simply omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or more vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato.
- Greens Swap: If kale isn’t your preference or isn’t available, fresh spinach or Swiss chard can be excellent substitutes. Add them towards the end of the cooking process just like the kale.
- Bean Options: Black beans provide a great texture and flavor, but kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans (white beans) would also work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Freezing Leftovers: This chili freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to suit your family’s preference for heat. For more spice, leave some seeds in the jalapeño. For less, omit both.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tips for the Best Turkey Kale Chili
- Browning the Turkey: Don’t skip browning the ground turkey before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor base for your chili. It also helps to break up the meat evenly.
- Don’t Overcook the Kale: Adding the kale in the last 30 minutes ensures it wilts perfectly without becoming mushy or losing too much of its vibrant color and nutrients. Baby kale is ideal here for its tender texture and mild flavor.
- Customize Your Heat: The jalapeño and cayenne pepper are optional. If you love a spicy kick, include both. For a milder chili, you can omit them entirely or use a less spicy pepper like a poblano.
- Layering Flavors: The combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano creates that classic chili flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to adjust these spices to your taste. A pinch of cinnamon or a square of dark chocolate can also add unexpected depth to chili.
- Topping Bar Fun: The garnish ideas are just a starting point! Consider adding avocado slices or guacamole, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, pickled jalapeños for extra tang, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick.
- Make it a Meal: Serve this chili with cornbread, rice, or a simple side salad to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe adapted from Produce for Kids, used with their permission. We appreciate their dedication to promoting healthy eating!
DO YOU WANT TO GET WEEKLY UPDATES FROM A CEDAR SPOON? SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER BY CLICKING HERE AND GET FREE RECIPES DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR KITCHEN.
YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, TWITTER, GOOGLE + AND INSTAGRAM. I JUST JOINED SNAPCHAT TOO {ACEDARSPOON}.
Thanks to Meijer and Produce for Kids for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Your support helps bring healthy living resources to families!