Easy Crockpot Meatball Chili Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the chili seasoning before cooking.

These additions can enhance the savory notes of the turkey and provide a subtle complexity that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the beans.

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This releases the starches from the beans, which naturally thickens the sauce and provides a heartier, more rustic texture that clings perfectly to every bite.

Variations

• Spicy Meatball Chili: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker to introduce a noticeable heat that balances the richness of the turkey meatballs.
• Vegetable-Packed Chili: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or corn into the slow cooker along with the beans and tomatoes to add extra color, texture, and a mild sweetness to the final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.

Allow the leftover chili to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, ensure the chili is heated until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain quality and safety. Avoid leaving the chili at room temperature for extended periods after the initial cooking.

This chili is an excellent candidate for making ahead of time as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.

You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process whenever you are ready.

Serving ideas

Serve this meatball chili hot in deep bowls to capture all the savory sauce. It pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, or a handful of fresh chopped cilantro. These additions provide a cooling contrast to the warmth of the chili spices.

For a complete meal, accompany the chili with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. The textures of these sides complement the softness of the meatballs and beans, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Ensure the chili is served immediately while steaming to enjoy the best possible consistency and flavor profile.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Meatball Chili

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 24 precooked turkey meatballs
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 tbsp chili seasoning
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the precooked turkey meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer to ensure consistent heating throughout the cooking process.
2. Pour the drained kidney beans over the meatballs, then evenly sprinkle the chili seasoning across the top to ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
3. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the other ingredients. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C).

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

8 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.