Perfect Slow Cooker Chili! (Spicy Subsitutions!)

Chili season is upon us! This is my versatile and go-to chili that is easy and a slow cooker meal so it's ready at the end of the day. I even included options to make it very HOT and spicy, if you like it! I can actually suggest a lot of substitutes for this recipe as well because it can have a lot of different flavors, but all tasty. The base recipe is still the same, but you can easily swap out the ingredients! I am not a fan of watery chili and I like it with a little bit heat so this recipe encompasses both!

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 hours
Serves: 4

Items Needed:

• Slow cooker
• Large pan
• Measuring Tools

Ingredients:

• 2lbs ground turkey (drained of any grease) 
• Use the following seasonings for the ground turkey only:
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 14.5oz cans of dark red kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes with chilis (Rotel brand or not)
• 2 14.5oz cans of tomato sauce (use 1, if you like it really thick)
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 2 small shallots, diced
• 1/2 large red sweet onion, diced
• 1 mild banana pepper, diced (you can leave the seeds or not)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro (leaves & steams), minced
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 
• 2 tablespoons of fresh garlic, minced or grated
• Toppings include your choice of...
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Original or Chili Cheese Fritos
• Pepper & salt
• Saltines or oyster crackers

Substitutions:

• Turkey: Ground beef, ground venison, ground chicken, or ground pork are all acceptable.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilis: Italian diced tomatoes, plain diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with onion & garlic, diced tomatoes with onion, green pepper, & celery.
• Red Onion & Shallots: One large red onion, 2 medium yellow onions, or any other combination of onions.
• Banana Pepper: A jalapeno pepper is really good choice. Mild Anaheim, chili pepper, hot Hungarian wax. I use a jalapeno a lot instead of banana if I really want it spicy, two if I am trying to go for spicy.

Directions:

1. In a large skillet or pan, heat your extra virgin olive oil. Once it is heated, add your ground turkey and the seasonings listed for just the turkey. Cook until there is no pink meat showing. Break up the meat as it cooks into small pieces.
2. You can cut all the vegetables needed while the turkey is cooking. 
3. Once the meat is cooked and your vegetables are cut, add everything to your slow cooker. Add the other seasonings as well. Add the beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Everything should be added to the slow cooker.
4. Stir the pot well.
5. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Stir half way, if possible.
6. When done, spoon out to a bowl & add any amount of toppings you prefer. I like cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, Fritos, & more pepper & salt.

Note: If you love a spicy chili, please use a jalapeno or two instead of a banana pepper. You can also increase the red cayenne and even add a tablespoon of sriracha!