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Slow cooker recipes have become a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. They offer a convenient way to prepare meals with minimal effort, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time while you go about your day. The magic of a slow cooker lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enter the Sunny Day Slow Cooker Chili—a vibrant, flavorful option that is not only ideal for sunny days but also perfect for gatherings with friends and family.

Slow Cooker Summer Chili

Discover the joy of cooking with this Sunny Day Slow Cooker Chili recipe! Perfect for sunny days and gatherings, this dish features lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a mix of spices that come together beautifully in your slow cooker. With minimal effort, you’ll create a flavorful, nutritious meal that everyone will love. Serve it with garnishes like cilantro and lime for an extra touch and enjoy a hearty dish that balances wellness and taste effortlessly!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey (or beef)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chili powder (adjust based on your preferred spice level)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1-2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Brown the Meat: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the ground turkey (or beef). Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through. If there's any excess fat, drain it from the skillet.

    Sauté Vegetables: To the skillet with the browned meat, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and release a fragrant aroma.

      Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the sautéed meat and onion-garlic mixture. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), drained black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

        Add the Broth: Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the slow cooker. This will help develop a rich, flavorful sauce as the chili cooks.

          Mix & Cook: Gently stir all the ingredients to ensure they are well combined. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If possible, give it a gentle stir once or twice during the cooking process.

            Taste & Adjust: About 30 minutes before your chili is finished cooking, taste it and adjust the seasonings. If you want more heat, sprinkle in additional chili powder; for a boost of flavor, add a little extra salt.

              Serve: When the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. To elevate the flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice over the top just before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish on a sunny day!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chili with a side of tortilla chips or cornbread, and provide additional lime wedges and cilantro for guests to customize their bowls.