Slow Cooker Italian White Bean Turkey Chili

This slow cooker Italian white bean turkey chili is the ultimate set-and-forget dinner. With just four ingredients—ground turkey, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, and crushed tomatoes—you can have a warm, satisfying meal on the table with almost no effort.

The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple pantry staples into a rich, herby chili that the whole family will love. It's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is as simple as it gets: layer ground turkey, white beans, Italian seasoning, and crushed tomatoes in a slow cooker, then let time work its magic. The result is a thick, comforting chili with tender turkey and creamy beans in a savory tomato broth.

The Italian seasoning adds a fragrant herb note that sets it apart from traditional chili. Serve it straight from the crockpot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It's a true one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker gently simmers the ground turkey and beans together, allowing the Italian seasoning to infuse every bite. Low, slow heat breaks down the turkey into tender crumbles while the beans absorb the tomato sauce, creating a cohesive, hearty texture. Because the ingredients are simply layered and stirred, there's no browning or extra pots to wash—just a quick toss and you're done.

Using canned cannellini beans means no soaking or pre-cooking, and they hold their shape beautifully during the long cook. Crushed tomatoes provide a thick, smooth base that clings to the beans and turkey, so the chili is satisfyingly substantial.

The Italian seasoning—typically a blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme—adds a familiar Mediterranean warmth that makes this dish feel both comforting and special.

Notes and substitutions

Ground turkey is the star here; choose 93% lean for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, you can substitute ground chicken or even Italian sausage (just adjust the cook time). Cannellini beans are classic, but great northern or navy beans work equally well. Be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.

Italian seasoning is a convenient pantry staple, but you can make your own blend with dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. The crushed tomatoes provide the liquid; opt for a good-quality brand for the best flavor.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, though check the seasoning label for any additives. For a thicker chili, cook on low for the full 6 hours; for a saucier version, check at 4 hours.

• ground turkey: ground chicken or lean ground beef (adjust cooking time if using beef)
• cannellini beans: great northern beans or navy beans
• Italian seasoning: 1 tbsp dried oregano plus 1 tbsp dried basil
• crushed tomatoes: diced tomatoes (for a chunkier texture)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart)
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Colander
• Wooden spoon