Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long is leftover turkey chili good for? ›

How to Store & Freeze Leftovers. Leftover turkey chili will keep in the fridge for about 5 days. It can also be frozen for about two months. Thaw and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

“Is it possible to reheat turkey in a slow cooker? Sure.

Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer. This makes a big batch, perfect for a cold-weather get-together, but if you're making it for a smaller group, the leftovers freeze well.

How long do leftovers last? According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower.

Don't do this, experts say. This is a bad idea for two reasons. Firstly, it will take hours for the leftovers to reheat, which can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. 1 Secondly, placing a chilled slow cooker insert on a hot base may cause the insert to crack.

Reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended. Cooked food should be reheated on the stove, in a microwave, or in a conventional oven until it reaches 165 °F. Then the hot food can be placed in a preheated slow cooker to keep it hot for serving—at least 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

Yes, you can reheat meatloaf in a crockpot by adding a bit of liquid to prevent drying and cooking it on low for a few hours. Never do this with frozen meatloaf, however, as it will be in the danger zone for too long. (Read more about the danger zone on the USDA website here.)

The meat releases collagen and gelatinizes into a thicker, more luxurious texture. Same deal with vegetarian chili; the starches in beans break down, adding richness and viscosity. Plus, during that overnighter, the flavors soak into each other for a chili that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Does Wendy's use leftover meat for chili? ›

He even asked himself, “what do you do with the leftover hamburger?” The answer was simple: combine the beef we use for our hamburgers with a hearty helping of vegetables, chili beans and a dash of spice.

Adding Moisture Before Reheating

For each cup of chili, stir in one tablespoon of water or broth. This small addition helps to keep the chili moist and enhances the flavors.

Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.

Add all remaining Chili Ingredients to the slow cooker and give them a stir. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (recommended) or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Taste and add salt/pepper/cayenne pepper to taste. Serve with desired toppings such as cheese, sour cream, green onions, corn/tortilla chips, etc.

The Best Way to Cook Chili:

The low and slow cooking process melds the flavors of the chili seasoning into every bite and the beef becomes so tender, juicy, and irresistible. You can slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

Meatless chili and opened canned chili stay safe to eat for up to 7 days in the fridge. Meat-based homemade chilis kept in the fridge only last for 3-4 days. If your chili contains meat and it's been in the fridge for 5 days, you should discard it, even if it looks good.

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three to four days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Turkey typically lasts up to four days in the fridge before it goes bad.

On the other hand, leftover ground turkey will keep well in the fridge for three to four days once cooked, or two to six months if you're going the freezer route. Fresh, uncooked ground turkey should be frozen within one to two days of purchase, the USDA says.