Smoky ground turkey and bacon simmered with four types of beans in a sweet and tangy sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is the perfect hearty comfort food!
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey and finely chopped bacon until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the cumin, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
Transfer the seasoned meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, all drained beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard.
Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Sandy’s tips:
Choose lean ground turkey: For the best results, use 93/7 lean ground turkey. You can also substitute ground beef, ground pork, or ground chicken.
Drain the beans well: Properly draining and rinsing the beans prevents the dish from becoming too watery and helps control the sodium content.
Bacon alternatives: If you prefer to skip the bacon, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor without the meat.
Bake in oven: 350 degrees covered, 45 min - 1 hour.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.