Slow Cooker Turkey Tamale Chili for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, you can let the chili sit on the 'keep warm' setting for an extra thirty minutes after the cooking time is up. This extra time allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to reach its ideal thickness.

If you find the chili is too thick, simply stir in a small amount of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency, though the cornmeal will naturally keep it quite hearty and substantial for serving.

When serving, consider the temperature of your bowls. Warming them in the oven on a low setting before plating can help keep the chili at the perfect serving temperature for longer. This is particularly useful if you are serving a group. If you have leftovers, they often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to marry, making this an excellent choice for meal prep or for planning ahead for a busy week of dinners.

Variations

• Spicy Tamale Chili: Add two minced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the chili powder for a significant kick of heat.
• Vegetable-Packed Version: Incorporate one cup of diced bell peppers or zucchini into the slow cooker at the start to add more texture and color to your final chili dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout, stirring occasionally.

Allow the chili to cool completely at room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. Once cooled, transfer the chili into airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Proper storage is key to preventing the chili from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator. If you are planning to store it for more than a few days, the freezer is a much better option to ensure the quality remains high for future meals.

This chili is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting. You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process. This is a great way to ensure a hot, homemade meal is ready the moment you walk through the door at the end of the day.

Serving ideas

Serve this chili hot in deep bowls to retain its heat. It is a substantial dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas or a crusty piece of bread.

The contrast between the soft turkey and the slight crunch of the corn makes every bite interesting. You can also garnish the top with fresh cilantro or a small dollop of sour cream if desired, though the chili is flavorful enough to stand perfectly well on its own.

When plating, use a large ladle to ensure each serving gets an equal portion of the ground turkey, corn, and olives. If you are serving a crowd, consider setting up a small station with optional toppings so guests can customize their bowls.

Because this chili is quite thick, it holds up very well when served alongside other dishes, and it is a reliable favorite that consistently satisfies appetites without requiring complicated side dishes to complete the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Tamale Chili for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 3 tbsp cornmeal
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground turkey into the bottom of the slow cooker insert, ensuring the meat is evenly distributed. Add the corn kernels and sliced black olives on top of the turkey.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder and cornmeal. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the turkey, corn, and olives. Pour the tomato sauce over everything to create the liquid base.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Ensure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. Stir well before serving to combine the thickened sauce with the meat and vegetables.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

650 mg

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