Hearty & Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili: Your Ultimate Game Day Meal!
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chili to warm you from the inside out, especially as the temperatures drop or when you’re gathered with loved ones for a big game. Forget the fuss and embrace the ease of your slow cooker with this incredibly flavorful and nutritious Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili. This protein-packed recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hearty experience designed to satisfy everyone, even the pickiest eaters!
If you’re looking for a healthy twist on a classic, this turkey kale chili is your answer. It’s an excellent way to sneak in some wholesome greens without anyone even noticing, making it a true family favorite. Prepare to add this easy, delicious, and fulfilling slow cooker chili to your regular rotation!
Why This Turkey Kale Chili is a Must-Try
As a huge fan of slow cooker recipes and hearty chili creations, I find myself reaching for my crockpot more than ever, especially during the busy fall and winter seasons. The convenience of a slow cooker is unparalleled, allowing you to “set it and forget it” while delicious aromas fill your home throughout the day. This particular Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili brings together the best of both worlds: incredible flavor and impressive nutritional value.
Some might hesitate at the thought of “kale in chili,” but I assure you, it’s a game-changer! The kale wilts down beautifully, blending seamlessly into the rich texture of the chili without overpowering the taste. It’s a fantastic way to boost the vitamin and mineral content of your meal, often going completely unnoticed by younger palates – my kids didn’t even suspect a green secret ingredient! This means you can feel fantastic about serving your family a big bowl of this healthy, protein-rich dish.
Beyond its nutritional prowess, this turkey kale chili is also ideal for entertaining. Planning a game day gathering? Simply prepare a batch in your crockpot, and you’ll have a warm, welcoming pot of chili ready for kickoff. To make it even more fun, set up a chili bar with an array of tempting garnishes. Think fresh cilantro, a dollop of cooling sour cream or Greek yogurt, crunchy tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of diced red onion. Offering a variety of toppings allows everyone to customize their bowl to perfection.
Chili is a truly versatile meal that lends itself perfectly to meal prepping. Not only is it incredibly simple to assemble, but it also tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a joy. I often make a larger batch and portion it into containers for quick, healthy meals later in the week or freeze some for those busy evenings when cooking feels like a marathon. Having a few go-to chili recipes ensures you’re always prepared for a delicious, comforting meal.
A Healthy Partnership: Produce for Kids and Meijer
I am thrilled to share that this Hearty Turkey Kale Chili recipe comes to you as part of an exciting partnership with Produce for Kids and Meijer. This collaboration is dedicated to promoting healthy eating habits among families and supporting vital educational initiatives. The annual Produce for Kids campaign is currently active at all Meijer stores, running from September 4th to October 1st. During this period, every purchase of participating produce brands helps raise funds for Jump with Jill, an award-winning nutrition education program that travels to schools, inspiring kids to eat better and be active.
This impactful campaign provides Meijer shoppers with more than just great produce; it offers practical healthy meal solutions, delicious recipes, and valuable tips for incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into daily diets. Since its inception in 2013, Produce for Kids has proudly donated an impressive $378,508 to Jump with Jill. This funding has directly supported over 75 schools within the Meijer footprint since fall 2014, making a tangible difference in the health and well-being of countless children.
Beyond the direct donations, the campaign also encourages community engagement. Residents aged 18 and older (or parents/guardians on behalf of minors) in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin have a fantastic opportunity to participate in a special contest. By sharing pictures of their family shopping, preparing, or cooking a meal using the hashtag #FamilyFoodRockstar, they stand a chance to win a $100 Meijer gift card. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate healthy family meals and potentially be rewarded for it!
The success of this campaign is made possible by the generous support of nine participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers. These sponsors represent a wide array of major fresh produce categories, ensuring a diverse selection of healthy options for shoppers. Supporting these brands during the campaign contributes directly to its mission:
- 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 incredible campaign and discover additional healthy recipes for your family, visit www.produceforkids.com/Meijer. For an even broader selection, explore ProduceForKids.com, where you’ll find over 200 registered dietitian-approved and family-tested recipes. Stay connected and get year-round healthy eating tips and recipe ideas by following Produce for Kids on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat (ProduceforKids). Don’t miss out on how to participate by checking out their Facebook event!
You can also follow the hashtag #produceforkids on social media to keep up with the program, get recipe tips, and stay informed about all the exciting developments.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Kale Chili Recipe
Julia Jolliff
Print Recipe
15 mins
6 hrs
6 hrs 15 mins
8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, seeded, diced (any color)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, chopped (optional for spice)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz.) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz.) corn, drained, no salt added
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups baby kale, packed
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Unsalted tortilla chips, crushed
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced red onion
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the lean ground turkey over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Transfer the browned turkey to your slow cooker.
- Add the diced sweet onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño (if using), chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried oregano, tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, drained corn, and chicken broth to the slow cooker with the turkey. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
- After 4 1/2 hours of cooking, stir in the baby kale. It may seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes, or until the kale is tender and the chili is thoroughly heated through.
- Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings such as Greek yogurt or sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and shredded cheese. Enjoy!
Notes & Variations
- Meat Alternatives: Feel free to customize this chili with your preferred protein. Ground chicken or even lean ground beef would work wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or lentils for a heartier texture.
- Greens Swap: If kale isn’t your preference, spinach is an excellent substitute. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just like the kale, for a similar nutritional boost.
- Bean Varieties: Experiment with different types of beans! Kidney beans or cannellini (white beans) can be used in place of, or in addition to, the black beans for a unique flavor and texture profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to suit your family’s heat preference. For a milder chili, omit both. For more kick, add extra or include a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make Ahead & Freezing: This chili is perfect for making in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for quick and easy meals later. It thaws beautifully and makes for a convenient weekday lunch or dinner.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this chili also pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread, a fresh green salad, or even served over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, approximate values)
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
- Sodium: 146 mg
- Potassium: 890 mg
- Fiber: 9 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Vitamin A: 2466 IU
- Vitamin C: 44 mg
- Calcium: 110 mg
- Iron: 5 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
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This recipe is courtesy of Produce for Kids, used with their kind permission.
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Thanks to Meijer and Produce for Kids for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.