Are you tired of the same old dinner options? Looking to add a little excitement and spice to your evening meal? Well, look no further than this amazing jalapeno popper chili recipe. It takes your favorite spicy appetizer and transforms it into a hearty and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
This jalapeno popper chili is a unique blend of flavors that combines the spiciness of jalapenos with the richness of ground turkey, the smoky goodness of bacon, and the heartiness of beans. The result is a chili that is both flavorful and filling, perfect for a cold winter night or any time you're in the mood for something spicy.
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You have two options for cooking it. If you have a little extra time on your hands, you can let it simmer in the slow cooker for a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a depth of taste that is truly irresistible. The slow cooking process also tenderizes the meat and softens the beans, making every bite a pleasure.
On the other hand, if you're short on time, you can use a pressure cooker. With a pressure cooker, you can have this delicious chili on the table in about 30 minutes. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want a home - cooked meal but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Let's start with the ingredients. For this jalapeno popper chili, you'll need:
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Now, let's go through the steps for making this chili in the slow cooker. First, in a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium - high heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the ground turkey and cook it until it's browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapenos to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are softened. Then, transfer the turkey, onion, and jalapeno mixture to the slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 - 6 hours or on high for 2 - 3 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili and let it melt. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and some chopped fresh cilantro.
If you're using a pressure cooker, start by cooking the bacon in the pressure cooker using the saute function. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it and set it aside. Then, cook the ground turkey in the same pot until it's browned. Drain the fat and add the onion, garlic, and jalapenos. Saute for a few minutes until softened.
Add the beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 10 - 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick - release any remaining pressure. Open the lid, stir in the shredded cheese, and garnish with the bacon, sour cream, and cilantro.
This jalapeno popper chili is not only delicious but also a great way to use up some common pantry staples. It's a meal that you can customize to your taste. If you like it even spicier, you can add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. You can also serve it with some warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying dinner.
So, the next time you're looking for a new and exciting dinner idea, give this jalapeno popper chili a try. Whether you choose to use the slow cooker or the pressure cooker, you're in for a treat. It's a meal that will leave you craving more and will quickly become a family favorite.
