Follow Me On Pinterest!
Imagine a Thanksgiving meal that requires zero chopping, no roasting for hours, and absolutely no stress. This Thanksgiving Chili Crockpot High Protein Feed Crowd Easy No Prep Dump & Walk 5 Min Prep 42g is the ultimate holiday hack for busy hosts. Whether you are fueling a group for the big game or looking for a way to use up holiday staples, this recipe delivers massive flavor with almost zero effort. It is thick, hearty, and packed with 42 grams of muscle-building protein per serving. You simply dump the ingredients into your slow cooker, walk away, and return to a house smelling like a cozy autumn feast.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition values
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Carbs: 32g
Why Make This Thanksgiving Chili Crockpot High Protein Feed Crowd Easy No Prep Dump & Walk 5 Min Prep 42g
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants a nutritious, high-protein meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Traditional chili often requires browning meat and sautéing vegetables, but this “dump and walk” version eliminates those steps while retaining all the savory depth you crave. It is specifically designed to feed a crowd, making it the perfect budget-friendly solution for large families. With 42 grams of protein, it keeps everyone full and satisfied for hours. Plus, the hint of pumpkin or sweet potato notes makes it feel uniquely appropriate for the Thanksgiving season.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey (or leftover Thanksgiving turkey, shredded)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 1 jar (16 oz) mild or medium salsa (provides the onion and peppers without chopping)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preparation
Spray the inside of your large slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for even easier cleanup. Gather all your canned goods and seasonings. If you are using raw ground turkey, you can place it directly into the bottom of the crockpot. If you prefer a finer texture, you can break it up with a wooden spoon before adding other ingredients.
Step 2: Cooking
Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, pumpkin puree, salsa, and broth into the crockpot. Sprinkle all the spices over the top. Stir everything together until the pumpkin puree is fully integrated and the meat is submerged. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the temperature to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cook time allows the flavors to meld and the turkey to become incredibly tender.
Step 3: Plating
Once the cook time is complete, give the chili a final stir to break up any large pieces of turkey. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the hot chili into deep bowls. Top with festive garnishes like a dollop of Greek yogurt (for extra protein), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, or even a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a true Thanksgiving twist. Serve with cornbread or crackers.
Expert Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Chili Crockpot High Protein Feed Crowd Easy No Prep Dump & Walk 5 Min Prep 42g
To ensure the best results, use a high-quality salsa since it acts as your “shortcut” for onions and peppers. If you find the chili is too thick after 6 hours, splash in a little more broth to reach your desired consistency. For the highest protein content, stick with lean ground turkey or turkey breast. If you have leftovers, this chili tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to develop. Lastly, do not skip the pumpkin puree; it adds a velvety texture and a boost of fiber without making the dish taste like a dessert.
Delicious Variations
- The Leftover Specialist: Swap the ground turkey for 4 cups of chopped leftover roasted Thanksgiving turkey.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Add a bag of frozen cubed sweet potatoes for more vitamins and a hint of sweetness.
- Spicy Holiday: Stir in a small can of diced green chiles or add a teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
- Vegetarian High Protein: Omit the turkey and add an extra can of chickpeas and a cup of red lentils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the “Sauté” function to quickly brown the turkey, then dump the remaining ingredients and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes with a natural release.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free, this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free and very allergy-friendly.
Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely. This chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Does the pumpkin make it taste like pie?
Not at all. The pumpkin puree acts as a thickener and adds an earthy richness that complements the savory chili spices without any sweetness.
How can I increase the protein even more?
To boost the protein beyond 42g, top your bowl with a generous serving of non-fat Greek yogurt and some nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving Chili Crockpot High Protein Feed Crowd Easy No Prep Dump & Walk 5 Min Prep 42g is the perfect solution for busy holiday schedules. It proves that you do not need to spend hours at the stove to serve a nutritious, flavorful, and filling meal. By using smart shortcuts like salsa and pumpkin puree, you get a complex flavor profile with only 5 minutes of active prep. Give yourself the gift of time this season and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting!
Thanksgiving Chili Crockpot High Protein Feed Crowd Easy No Prep Dump & Walk 5 Min Prep 42g
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey (or leftover Thanksgiving turkey, shredded)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 1 jar (16 oz) mild or medium salsa (provides the onion and peppers without chopping)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation
Spray the inside of your large slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for even easier cleanup. Gather all your canned goods and seasonings. If you are using raw ground turkey, you can place it directly into the bottom of the crockpot. If you prefer a finer texture, you can break it up with a wooden spoon before adding other ingredients. - Step 2: Cooking
Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, pumpkin puree, salsa, and broth into the crockpot. Sprinkle all the spices over the top. Stir everything together until the pumpkin puree is fully integrated and the meat is submerged. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the temperature to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cook time allows the flavors to meld and the turkey to become incredibly tender. - Step 3: Plating
Once the cook time is complete, give the chili a final stir to break up any large pieces of turkey. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the hot chili into deep bowls. Top with festive garnishes like a dollop of Greek yogurt (for extra protein), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, or even a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a true Thanksgiving twist. Serve with cornbread or crackers.
- Cook Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
