Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe with Butternut Squash (or Pumpkin) is cozy, hearty and so easy to make. Ground turkey, butternut squash and black beans cook together in a smoky tomato broth. Add warm spices like chipotle and cinnamon for the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and tastes even better the next day.

Load it up with your favorite toppings—like avocado, cilantro, or a spoonful of sour cream—then, dig in! This easy Southwest Turkey Chili Slow Cooker style will become on of your best chili recipes.

Easy One Bowl Meal

This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash has everything you need for an easy, one bowl meal. Lean ground turkey, plenty of vegetables like aromatic onion, bell pepper and garlic paired with black beans and fire roasted tomatoes as well as the squash.

Don't forget about the yummy Southwest spices to give a smokey flavor from chipotle chile powder, paprika and cumin. Cinnamon ties all the flavors together.

What to Serve with This Chili Recipe

This chili recipe really is a one dish meal. Spoon it into a bowl and garnish with sour cream to complete the food groups.

I do like to garnish it with crumbled corn tortilla chips, just for the crunch and the corn flavor and a bit of extra salt.

If you'd like, you can serve a side of my skillet cornbread recipe with this chili or my friend's recipe for Texas Roadhouse Rolls.

Don't forget dessert. These "churro-style" cinnamon shortbread cookies are great little treat at the end of a meal.

Tips for Making This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Substitution Tips: I'm often asked if you can switch out the butternut squash for another ingredient like sweet potato, pumpkin or another hard squash. The answer is yes! This chili recipe is perfect for that.

Word of Caution about squash- I would NOT add a soft squash like zucchini, summer squash or patty pan. They are too soft and will not hold up to the slow cooking.

Safety Tips: This recipe calls for browning the turkey in a skillet before adding to the Slow Cooker or Crockpot. I do this for two reasons:

• First- browning the ground turkey gives it a better texture and flavor.
• Second- it is easy to break up the ground turkey with a wooden spoon as it cooks in the skillet.
• Third- Cooking the turkey first quickly brings the turkey to a "safe" temperature (over 165 degrees). It also sears the turkey killing all surface bacteria.

Tips for Cooking Raw Turkey in the Slow Cooker or Crockpot-

You can cook raw turkey in a slow cooker or crockpot IF you keep a few safety tips in mind.

1. Turkey must be cooked to 165 degrees to be safe for eating. It kills the bacteria common in poultry and on the surface of ground meat.
2. Most slow cookers and crockpots cook at temperature between 170 and 200 degrees for low taking up to 8 hours to reach a simmer on low temperature. On high, they can cook between 200 and 300 degrees and reach a simmer in about 4 hours.
3. High temperature is recommended for cooking poultry in the slow cooker.
4. It is best to test your slow cooker or crockpot with a food thermometer to be sure.
5. DO NOT ADD FROZEN RAW TURKEY TO A SLOW COOKER OR CROCKPOT
6. Be sure to thaw the turkey before adding to a slow cooker
7. Break the ground turkey into small pieces when adding it to a slow cooker. It will get to the "safety zone" ( over 140 degrees) more quickly.

Ingredients to make this Slow Cooker Turkey

This recipe uses only common and easy-to-find ingredients!

Onion – adds a sweet, savory base.

Green bell pepper – brings a bit of freshness and crunch.

Garlic – gives that cozy, homemade flavor.

Butternut squash – adds natural sweetness and makes the chili hearty. It can easily be traded for sweet potato or pumpkin.

Chipotle chili powder – brings a smoky, spicy kick.

Cumin – adds warmth and depth.

Paprika – gives color and a mild sweetness.

Cinnamon – a little unexpected, but it ties the flavors together perfectly.

Fire-roasted tomatoes – add richness and a hint of smokiness.

Chicken broth – keeps everything saucy and flavorful.

Black beans – make the chili extra filling and satisfying.

Olive oil – helps brown the turkey and adds a touch of richness.

Ground turkey – keeps it lean but still hearty.

Salt and pepper – bring all the flavors to life.

Toppings – avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, or chips — the fun finishing touch!

How to Make this Slow Cooker Turkey and Butternut Squash Chili

Add onions, peppers, garlic, butternut squash, chipotle chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, diced tomatoes, broth, and beans to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir and set aside. 

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey and cook for 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. 

Add turkey to slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours. 

Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings. Enjoy!

How to serve Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Here are some fun and tasty ways to serve your Turkey and Butternut Squash Chili:

Classic bowl style: Top it with sliced avocado, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

With a crunch: Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread on the side for dipping.

In wraps or burritos: Use leftovers as a filling with some cheese, beans, and lettuce.

Topped with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese while it’s hot so it melts right in.

Game day style: Serve in small bowls or mugs with toppings in separate dishes for a DIY chili bar.

More fabulous Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love:

• Mexican Shredded Chicken: This shredded chicken is so versatile that you will want to make extra for taco salads or to smother in BBQ sauce for a delicious sandwich.
• Pozole Burritos: This Pozole Burritos recipe takes one of the most Traditional Mexican Recipes and updtes it for today's slow cooker. You will have dinner on the table in no time!
• Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Chili: verything you love in chili—chicken, green chiles, corn, beans, diced tomatoes and your favorite Southwest spices PLUS bacon and Ranch dressing! Your family will LOVE this new spin on a favorite Chili Recipe.