Tomato Basil Turkey Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
Combining the savory depth of slow-simmered chili with the bright aroma of sweet basil, this dish offers a fresh take on a classic comfort meal. Browning the ground turkey first builds a rich foundation before everything gently melds together over low heat alongside black beans, corn, and crushed tomatoes.
Why this one works
- Light yet hearty texture from lean ground turkey and black beans.
- Pops of sweetness from corn balance the rich crushed tomato base.
- Fresh basil stirred in at the end delivers an aromatic herbal lift.
- Quick skillet browning followed by hands-off slow cooking.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups (450g) ground turkey Brown thoroughly in the skillet to develop a savory foundation before transferring to the slow cooker.
- 1 cup (180g) black beans Provides a tender, earthy bite that holds its shape during the slow simmer.
- 1 cup (150g) frozen corn Can be added straight from frozen, lending juicy sweetness and color to the mix.
- 2 cups (480ml) crushed tomatoes Forms the rich, saucy base that binds the meat and vegetables together.
- 0.5 cup (20g) fresh basil leaves Wait to stir these in right before serving to preserve their vibrant green color and fresh aroma.
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What to have nearby
- Skillet for browning ground turkey
- Slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Step-by-step instructions
The preparation is straightforward: spend a few minutes at the stove getting good color on the ground turkey, then let the slow cooker do the rest of the work over low heat.
- 1Step 1
Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and transfer to the slow cooker.
- 2Step 2
Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, and herbs.
- 3Step 3
Cook on low for 4 hours.
- 4Step 4
Stir in fresh basil before serving.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Harissa Tomato Beef Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Break the turkey into uniform crumbles while browning to ensure even distribution in the chili.
- Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet when moving the turkey into the slow cooker for added depth.
- Tear or roughly chop the basil leaves just before serving to keep them from bruising or turning dark.
Ways to make it your own
- Top individual servings with freshly cracked black pepper or a light sprinkle of grated hard cheese.
- Serve ladled over a scoop of warm brown rice for a more filling meal.
Serving suggestions
Ladle this chili hot into wide bowls so the fresh basil aromas rise with the steam. It pairs naturally with crusty rustic bread, warm skillet cornbread, or a simple side of dressed mixed greens.
Storage & reheating
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Quick recipe answers
Why is the basil added at the end instead of cooking with the chili?+
Fresh basil is delicate and loses its aromatic qualities under prolonged heat, so stirring it in right before serving keeps its flavor bright.
Do I need to thaw the frozen corn first?+
No, the corn will thaw and cook through evenly during the four hours on low heat.
With its balance of savory browned turkey, sweet corn, and aromatic basil, this slow cooker chili is an effortless, wholesome option for any weeknight meal.
Tomato Basil Turkey Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
A slow cooker chili combining browned ground turkey, tender black beans, sweet corn, and crushed tomatoes, finished with fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (450g) ground turkey
- 1 cup (180g) black beans
- 1 cup (150g) frozen corn
- 2 cups (480ml) crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup (20g) fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, and herbs.
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Stir in fresh basil before serving.
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Tomato Basil Turkey Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Bean Chili
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Harissa Tomato Beef Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
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Smoky Paprika Turkey Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
Slow-cooked ground turkey chili simmered with tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and smoky paprika for a hearty, flavorful everyday meal.
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