Slow Cooker Chipotle Turkey and Pinto Bean Chili

This slow cooker chipotle turkey and pinto bean chili is the kind of dinner that practically makes itself. You simply add ground turkey, pinto beans, chipotle powder, and crushed tomatoes to the crockpot, set it on low, and let it simmer all day. The result is a thick, smoky, satisfying chili that's perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. No browning, no stirring, no fuss—just dump, set, and forget.

Chili is a classic comfort food, and this version gets a smoky twist from chipotle powder and a hearty texture from pinto beans. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors together over several hours until the turkey is tender and the sauce is rich.

This recipe is perfect for those days when you want a warm, filling dinner without standing over the stove. It's also great for meal prep, as it stores and reheats beautifully. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for easy leftovers, this chili delivers on flavor and convenience.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker is the ideal tool for this chili because it allows the ground turkey to become incredibly tender while absorbing the smoky, spicy flavors of the chipotle powder.

Cooking on low for several hours gives the tomatoes time to break down and thicken into a rich sauce, while the pinto beans hold their shape and add a creamy texture. The result is a chili that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove, but with minimal effort.

Using ground turkey keeps the chili lighter than traditional beef chili, but the chipotle powder adds a deep, smoky heat that makes it anything but bland. The pinto beans provide a hearty, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the turkey and tomatoes.

Plus, since everything goes into the slow cooker at once, there's no need to brown the meat first, which saves time and cleanup. The long, slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and develop, creating a chili that's both comforting and complex.

Notes and substitutions

Ground turkey is available in different fat percentages; choose 93% lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture. You can also use ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.

For a spicier chili, use more chipotle powder or add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo. For a milder version, reduce the chipotle to 1 tablespoon.

Pinto beans are a classic choice for chili, but black beans or kidney beans also work well. If using dried beans, soak and cook them before adding to the slow cooker, as they need longer to soften. Crushed tomatoes give the chili a thick, smooth base; if you only have diced tomatoes, pulse them in a blender for a few seconds. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but check labels if you have allergies.

• ground turkey: ground chicken or lean ground beef (adjust cooking time for beef to reach 160°F)
• chipotle powder: 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
• crushed tomatoes: diced tomatoes or tomato puree
• pinto beans: black beans or kidney beans

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Colander