Name: Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili: Easy Weeknight Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h 35 min
Total time: 16 h 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped garlic; 1 leftover turkey carcass; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 2 bay leaves; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 cup frozen corn; 0.25 tablespoon masa, or to taste; 1 dash hot sauce, or to taste; 1 pinch chili powder, or to taste; 1 pinch ground white pepper, or to taste; 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste; salt to taste

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a hearty and flavorful chili, perfect for a cozy autumn evening. This slow-cooked delight requires minimal prep, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors that develop over time. It’s a delicious way to extend the holiday spirit!

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Soak the Beans: Sort through the beans, removing any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with several inches of cool water. Let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. (8-12 hours)

02

Step

Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. (5-7 minutes)

03

Step

Slow Cook the Chili: Place the turkey carcass into a slow cooker. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the slow cooker, along with the sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, chili powder, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on Low. (8 hours)

04

Step

Finish the Chili: Remove the turkey carcass from the slow cooker and shred any remaining turkey meat. Discard the bones and return the shredded turkey to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, corn, masa, hot sauce, chili powder, white pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Simmer on Low until the flavors have melded. (30 minutes)

For a smokier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the chili powder.
If you don't have a turkey carcass, 2-3 cups of shredded leftover turkey can be substituted, adding it during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjust the amount of jalapeno and hot sauce to your preference. For a milder chili, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno before chopping.
Serve with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Masa adds a subtle thickening quality to the chili and infuses more corn flavor. Cornmeal can be substituted.
For a richer flavor, try browning the turkey carcass in the oven before placing it in the slow cooker.

Abdullah Zemlak

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