Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 250 min
Total time: 260 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 (20 ounce) package 93%-lean ground turkey; 1 (28 ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chiles; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch ground cumin

Cook Time: 250 minutes

Ingredients

1 (20 ounce) package 93%-lean ground turkey
1 (28 ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
1 small onion, chopped
1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chiles
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon oregano
1 pinch ground cumin

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe.

Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Stir and cook for about 7 to 10 minutes until the turkey becomes crumbly and browned. Once done, transfer the turkey to a slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, chopped onion, green chiles, chili powder, minced garlic, oregano, and cumin to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 7 hours or on High for 4 hours. Once cooked, the chili will be ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 238
Total Fat: 5g (7% DV)
Saturated Fat: 1g (6% DV)
Cholesterol: 42mg (14% DV)
Sodium: 878mg (38% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 29g (11% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 9g (32% DV)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 20g (40% DV)
Vitamin C: 14mg (16% DV)
Calcium: 61mg (5% DV)
Iron: 3mg (17% DV)
Potassium: 532mg (11% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili Recipe

Origin of the Dish

Chili, or "chili con carne" (meaning "chili with meat"), originated in the southwestern United States, particularly Texas, in the 19th century. It is believed that early chili recipes were influenced by indigenous Native American dishes, which included chili peppers, beans, and various meats. The dish evolved over time, with contributions from Spanish settlers, African slaves, and Mexican cuisine, all of which incorporated the use of chili peppers and other local ingredients. The Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili is a modern twist on this hearty, flavorful dish, using a combination of beans and turkey to make it a lighter, healthier option compared to traditional beef-based chili.

Regional Variations

Chili has many regional variations, especially in the United States. Texas is known for its "no beans" chili, where the focus is on meat and spices. In contrast, chili in other regions, such as the American Midwest and Southwest, often incorporates beans as a primary ingredient. The Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili, featuring pinto, kidney, and black beans, is representative of the more inclusive, bean-heavy versions popular in areas where beans are a staple in the local cuisine. The slow-cooked method allows for a richer, more developed flavor, perfect for those looking to enjoy a cozy and filling meal.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While chili shares many similarities with stews, soups, and other bean-based dishes, its unique characteristic lies in the intense flavor profile derived from the use of chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and other spices. What sets the Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili apart is the inclusion of multiple types of beans, offering a variety of textures and flavors. Unlike traditional chili recipes that often rely on ground beef, this version uses ground turkey, making it a leaner alternative. Additionally, slow cooking the ingredients enhances the flavors and ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned. It's a dish that is both versatile and customizable, allowing for various spice levels and ingredient swaps.

Where Is It Typically Served?

The Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili is typically served at casual gatherings, especially during the colder months. It's perfect for family dinners, game-day parties, or as a meal prep for the week. Many people enjoy it with classic toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeos, paired with crunchy tortilla chips or cornbread. In some regions, its served alongside rice to balance the heat and enhance the dish's richness. This chili is often found at potlucks, chili cook-offs, and comfort food festivals, where its cherished for its hearty, filling nature and its ability to serve a crowd.

Fun Facts

The word "chili" comes from the Spanish word "chile," which refers to the chili pepper, a key ingredient in any chili dish.
Chili cook-offs are a beloved tradition in the United States, especially in Texas, where competitive chili cooking has its roots in the state's history.
Chili is often regarded as the "unofficial" national dish of the United States, especially in regions like Texas where it is deeply ingrained in local culture.
According to some legends, chili was the favorite food of early cowboys and settlers, who would cook it over open flames with whatever ingredients they had on hand.

FAQ about Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili Recipe

You can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Yes, this chili can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight helps the flavors to meld. Just reheat before serving.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the chili powder, add fresh jalapeños, or even use hot salsa instead of mild to adjust the heat level. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.

To add more spice, you can incorporate additional chili powder, hot sauce, or diced fresh chilies like jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also use spicy chili beans if you prefer.

Yes, you can cook it on the stove. After browning the turkey and adding all the ingredients, let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors blend and the chili thickens.

Yes, chili freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of rice. You can also top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or green onions for added flavor.

Yes, you can substitute the pinto, kidney, and black beans with other beans like navy beans, garbanzo beans, or cannellini beans. Just be sure to rinse and drain them if you're using canned beans.

If the chili is too runny, you can simmer it uncovered on low heat for a while to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water or some mashed beans to thicken it.

Comments

Erik Roberts

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This recipe was my first attempt at making chili. And let me tell you, it was DELICIOUS! It says it makes 10 servings but I couldn't get enough. Actually, it yielded about 8 servings. I feed my family of four and it was about 2 servings a piece. I didn't have fire roasted tomatoes so, I used regular diced tomatoes and was very pleased with the results. I can not wait to make this again. It is similar in texture to Wendy's chili. However, I think this is better! Loved it!

Jess Ameluxen Kaufman

11/15/2022 10:41:43 PM

Changes I made....extra chili powder, added s&p, added some garlic powder and onion powder.... Measured the main ingredients in the recipe but, just added the extras with a pinch here and there..just tasting as I go. Instead of a full can of green chilis, I did a can of the diced tomatoes with chilis. This chili is more of a hot dish with it being so think so, I added a small can of spicy V8 and about a 1/2c of water. I cooked all mine on the stovetop, no need to use a Crock-Pot for this one.

Jann

02/04/2024 11:50:10 PM

I learned a lot today. This looked so good, but I am out of any meat (ground beef-turkey-etc.) so, I decided to use everything else in the recipe and add Better Than Boullion and you know with all of the spices added I don't really miss the meat at all. Oh yes, I used 1 can of chili beans instead of black beans which I don't like.

allisonrbrown

11/13/2023 05:06:16 PM

This has been my go to chili BASE recipe for years. The only changes I make are with the meat . Swapping ground turkey for ground chicken and adding ground Johnsonville sweet Italian sausage and one pound of angus ground beef. BEST EVER!!

bluerailmonkey

04/02/2020 04:32:29 AM

Even my fussy kids liked this recipe. Only changes, ground beef and beans were not canned. Pre-cooked beans in the instant pot. Used some Better Than bullion vegetable when prepping the pinto beans. This recipe is a keeper!

SadPoke3807

02/17/2024 11:46:39 PM

Storing in quart jars to give away at church tomorrow. Cooked on slow, used Rotel and Pace salsa instead of tomato sauce. Added about 1/2 oz of fresh jalapeño about three hours into cooking. Southwestern version!

Jason D

09/27/2021 05:06:29 PM

This is a great base recipe for 'quick (relatively speaking) and dirty' chili. I season the turkey when its browning with salt pepper and italian seasoning. I also added a small can of paste, a can of Rotel Tomato & Green Chili. I use caramelized red onions (butter, s&p, sugar) as I feel they taste better and add color.

Ashley Roles

04/14/2025 09:45:10 PM

I never plan ahead for the slow cooker. I follow this recipe and just simmer on the stove for as long as possible (most often about an hour). Also, I like my chili soupier, so I add about a cup of beef broth. Overall this is my go-to chili recipe. YUM!

Allie F

04/14/2025 07:49:19 PM

It was not nearly as flavorful as I would have liked- very bland. MOD- Cooked in dutch oven on stove top! I added additional seasoning to the meat- sauteed onions & garlic in olive oil, added meat, added Pepper, added in juice from fire roasted tomatoes to break the meat up nice without simply adding water. Once added all ingredients, I stirred & let it sit & thicken on low about 20mins. Came back, stirred, sampled, & still needed "something". I added more garlic, diced jalepenos, and some Cayenne pepper for a lil spice. Almost there... STILL NEEDS SOMETHING! Can't put my finger on it!

LoLa

01/08/2019 02:30:18 AM

Made today in crock pot on low, all the seasonings using garlic salt. Added vegetable broth and only 2 canned beans (sorry) chili and black beans and Rotel. Cheese on top served with tortilla chips. I outdid myself!

Erin McBride

09/17/2018 12:00:03 AM

I made this last night. I skipped the tomato sauce and made it vegan. Added lots more chili powder and oregano and sauteed the onion, garlic and peppers in olive oil for 5-7 minutes before throwing it in. Top with vegan cheddar and tortilla chips and voila

KeenGoat3912

04/14/2025 11:48:17 AM

Solid recipe, you can add your own style to it, but it’s a good and easy recipe! I think it’s crazy that this says 10 servings! I prepped it for 5 days and that seems like a more normal portion.

Diane Nguyen

02/11/2025 05:37:38 PM

Absolutely nailed it!

Samantha Hall

02/09/2025 06:39:44 PM

This was perfection on a plate.

FunkyCrab5656

01/29/2025 08:20:00 PM

I substituted taco beef for the turkey, and two ancho chilis and two hatch chilis for the green chili in the recipe, and upped the amount of cumin to about a tsp. My family really liked it. It's a keeper.

Mc-chef

01/27/2025 03:57:44 AM

While I usually don't rate a recipe that I didn't follow exactly, I am doing so on this as my changes were minor... used ground beef and added 1/2 water everything else done as written and... it is Delicious! Hubby and I loved it and will definitely make again.

MerryMead9692

01/09/2025 03:04:28 AM

Made this for a family gathering and there was not a bite of it left. We like our chili meaty so doubled the protein and used ground beef and doubled everything but the beans and tomatoes and it balanced out well. This was in demand to make again !

grantbubb

11/03/2024 09:42:44 PM

Terrific chili! Tastes great, and the recipe is really easy.

Nicole

09/19/2024 06:06:21 AM

I've been making this recipe for years and love it! The only change I've made is to use ground beef as opposed to ground turkey. I think the ground beef adds a bit more favor and depth to the recipe. To make things a little different, we vary the toppings using any of the following: sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, greek yogurt, tortilla chips, crackers, garlic bread or baked potato. This is my go-to for fall parties.

lisannemielke

07/25/2024 11:28:47 AM

Love it! I can make ahead of time, freeze it & take camping. So convenient

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Origin of the Dish

Regional Variations

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Where Is It Typically Served?

Fun Facts

FAQ about Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili Recipe