Slow Cooker Turkey Black Bean and Lentil Chili
A rich, warming crockpot chili packed with lean turkey, brown lentils, and black beans. Perfect for Sunday meal prep with zero added sugar and minimal active effort.
Prep
15 min
Cook
360 min
Total
375 min
Makes
4 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Mendy + Lila
Mendy created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
360 min
Total
375 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet
Time saver
If the chili gets too thick upon standing in the fridge, splash in 2 tbsp (30ml) of warm water or broth when reheating.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat…
- 01
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat…
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F (190°C) and add olive oil.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add lean ground turkey to the skillet…
Add lean ground turkey to the skillet and brown for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
Look for: no pink remains
Tap card to mark done - 03
Transfer the browned turkey into the slow…
Transfer the browned turkey into the slow cooker insert.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add brown lentils
Add brown lentils, black beans, red bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder to the slow cooker.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Pour in 3 cups (710ml) of low-sodium…
Pour in 3 cups (710ml) of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and stir all ingredients together until completely mixed.
Look for: completely mixed
Tap card to mark done - 06
Cover with the lid and cook on…
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the lentils are completely tender and the chili has thickened.
Look for: the lentils are completely tender and the chili has thickened
Tap card to mark done - 07
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then divide evenly into 4 glass meal-prep containers for the week.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 08
Store covered in the refrigerator for up…
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating thoroughly before serving.
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