Looking for a satisfying and healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili that’s effortless to prepare? This zesty, protein-packed slow cooker chili is perfect for weeknights, game day, or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s full of flavor, easy to customize, and yields comforting leftovers—ideal when you want dinner ready with minimal hands-on time.
Also a great follow-up to other slow-cooker favorites like Healthier Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken or Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes, this chili pairs well with a simple grain or a handful of fresh toppings.
This healthy slow cooker chili is balanced and satisfying without being heavy. It’s packed with vegetables and fiber, and the lean turkey keeps it light while still delivering a hearty, protein-rich meal. Prepare the base in about 15 minutes, set the slow cooker, and come home to a warming, ready-to-serve dinner.
Serve over rice or quinoa for a heartier bowl, or top individual servings with avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. For those tracking points, the Weight Watchers values are approximately: 4 SmartPoints; 3 PointsPlus; 2 POINTS (old) per serving (about 1 cup).
Ingredients for Crock Pot Turkey Chili
A few wholesome ingredients are all you need to make a flavorful pot of chili.
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (or extra-lean ground beef)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, or 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How To Make a Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This recipe comes together quickly: brown the meat and soften the vegetables, then combine everything in the slow cooker and let the flavors meld. Total hands-on time is about 15 minutes; the slow cooker finishes the rest.
Step 1
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground turkey (or beef) until well browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of browning. Drain any excess fat, return the meat to the pan, add the diced peppers and onion, and cook another 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the chili powder and cumin to coat the mixture and release the aromas.
Step 2
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, grated zucchini, diced green chiles or jalapeño, tomato paste, and dried basil. Stir to combine everything evenly. Cover and cook on High for 4–5 hours, or on Low for 6–8 hours, until the flavors are well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Step 3
Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Popular choices include shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, green onions, or slices of avocado.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chili
- Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option or extra-lean ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
- A standard 6-quart slow cooker works well for this quantity.
- Add fresh jalapeños or extra green chiles if you like more heat; remove seeds for milder results.
- Top with cheese, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Serve over cooked rice or quinoa to stretch the meal and make it more filling.
- Make ahead: chop vegetables and brown the meat the night before, store covered in the fridge, and finish in the slow cooker the next day.
- Variations: add canned corn, diced sweet potatoes, or a mix of beans for different textures and flavors.
Note: If you prefer a bean-free chili, simply omit the beans.
How To Store
- Refrigerate cooked chili in an airtight container for up to one week.
- This chili freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Both ground turkey and ground beef work well. Turkey is lower in fat and keeps the chili lighter, while beef adds a more robust flavor.
Add diced bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, spinach, or even shredded sweet potato. These boost fiber, vitamins, and texture.
Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans all work well. Choose low-sodium canned beans or cook dried beans ahead of time to control the sodium level.
Recipe Details
Cook Time: 4–5 hrs (High) or 6–8 hrs (Low) |
Total Time: about 5 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (or extra-lean ground beef)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, or 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook ground turkey or beef in a nonstick skillet until well browned. Add minced garlic during the last minute. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced peppers and onion to the meat and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cumin.
- Combine the meat mixture with diced tomatoes, kidney beans, grated zucchini, green chiles or jalapeño, tomato paste, and basil in the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on High for 4–5 hours (or Low for 6–8 hours) until flavors have melded. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with desired toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Meat: Turkey or ground beef both work well.
Topping ideas: Cilantro, tortilla chips, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cheese, jalapeños, sliced green onion, or avocado.
Make-ahead: Chop vegetables and brown the meat the night before, then refrigerate until you’re ready to cook in the slow cooker.
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary by brand and preparation.
Carbohydrates: 4 g,
Protein: 9 g,
Fat: 1 g,
Cholesterol: 20 mg,
Sodium: 260 mg,
Potassium: 266 mg,
Fiber: 1 g,
Sugar: 2 g
We updated this Turkey Chili recipe with enhanced instructions and video on 10/24/19. If you try it, customize the heat and toppings to suit your family’s tastes—this recipe is flexible and forgiving, making it a reliable favorite for busy evenings.