Slow Cooker White Bean, Lentil and Turkey Chili

1 onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and whole
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 pound 94% Lean ground turkey
1 packet low sodium taco seasoning
2 tsp cumin
3 tsp ground thyme
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 16oz cans Great White Beans
1 16oz can Lentils
1 24oz can crushed tomatoes
1 cup salsa (mild, medium or hot to taste)
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded (optional)
Tomato or Vegetable juice

Place onion, garlic and bell pepper in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place ground turkey on top of the vegetables. Add taco seasoning, thyme, cumin, salt and pepper on top of the turkey. Add beans and lentils. Cover with crushed tomatoes, salsa. Add jalapenos if desired. Pour in enough tomato or vegetable juice until liquid is about an inch and a half from the top.

Place cover on crock pot and cook on high for at least 6 hours. I like to cook mine all night long on low.

This recipe is very flexible. You can make it as hot or mild as you like, add whichever vegetables you like (corn is great!) and if you are in a rush, it could even be easily converted to a stove top recipe. Just saute the vegetables in a little olive oil or cooking spray, brown the turkey, then add beans, seasonings and tomatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes and Voila!

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user KCLARK68.