Slow Cooker Turkey & Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lbGround turkey$4.33
• 2 cansKidney beans$2.60
• 1 canCanned tomatoes$1.20
• 1Onion$0.90
• 1 tbspOlive oil$0.17
• 8 ozTomato sauce$0.79
• 1.5 tbspChili powder$0.14
• 1 tspGround cumin$0.11
• 1 tspSalt—
• 1/2 tspBlack pepper$0.05
• Total for 4 servings$10.29

Most of the cost is ground turkey ($4.33) and kidney beans ($2.60). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $5.42. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Dice the onion, then rinse and drain the canned kidney beans in a colander.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, diced onion, salt, and black pepper, breaking up the meat with a spoon for 6 to 8 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink and reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
3. Transfer the browned turkey and onion mixture to the slow cooker insert. Add the kidney beans, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, chili powder, and ground cumin, then stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours) until hot, gently simmering, and the sauce has thickened.
5. Uncover the cooker, give everything a thorough stir, and taste, adding an extra pinch of salt or black pepper if desired.
6. Ladle the warm turkey and bean chili into bowls and serve immediately, topped with shredded dairy-free cheese or sliced green onions if you like.