Slow-Cooked Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-packed chili simmered to perfection in the slow cooker with three types of beans and smoky spice. This american-inspired slow cooker (vegetarian) ready in about 620 minutes pairs ground turkey, diced tomatoes, tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 600 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place ground turkey in a slow cooker, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook on high for 2 hours until no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add diced onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and green bell pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then add diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
  3. Step 3: Stir in drained black beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until flavors meld and beans are tender.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 620 minutes (20 min prep + 600 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Slow-Cooked Three-Bean Chili with Smoked Paprika vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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