Healthy Turkey Chili

This healthy turkey chili recipe is a classic chili made with ground turkey instead of beef. Full of flavor, freezer-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd!

Hi friends!

Fall is almost here and that makes it the perfect time to share this classic turkey chili recipe. You can make it on the stove or toss it in the crockpot to cook all day long. The perfect way to feed a crowd for a potluck, tailgate or holiday gathering.

Why Ground Turkey Works So Well In Chili

Ground turkey is a great source of lean protein, making it a great option for chili. It’s lower in fat than most traditional chili recipes made with ground beef and it’s mild flavor allows all the flavors of the chili to really shine through. It has a similar taste and texture to ground beef while being lower in saturated fat, making it a great heart-healthy alternative.

Ingredients for Turkey Chili Recipe

To make this turkey chili, here are the ingredient you’ll need:

• Onion. garlic and bell pepper – for a flavorful base
• Ground turkey – I use 93/7 but you could also use 85/15 if you prefer
• Spices – chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and salt
• Diced tomatoes – I prefer fire-roasted for a little more flavor
• Tomato paste- for a more concentrated flavor
• Chicken broth
• Beans – I prefer a combination of kidney and pinto but you could use all of one variety if you prefer

How To Make Healthy Turkey Chili (Stovetop)

Making chili is super easy and fairly hands-off. Here’s how you do it:

• In a large Dutch oven, saute the onion, garlic and pepper for 3-5 minutes.
• Add ground turkey and saute over medium heat until no longer pink.
• Add spices, tomatoes, tomatoe paste, beans and broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce and let simmer for 45 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Top as desired and serve warm!

Healthy Turkey Chili Slow Cooker

Yes! Use the saute function on your slower cooker to cook the ground turkey and veggies. If you don’t have a saute function, cook on the stove and then transfer to the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredeients, stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Turkey Chili Recipe – Instant Pot Instructions

Yes. Cook onions, garlic and turkey and remove any extra grease if using 85/15 ground turkey. Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup broth, scraping the bottom to remove any browned bits. Add the spices and stir to combine. Add tomato paste, tomatoes and beans. Don’t stir. Cook 15 minutes and quick realase. Another option is to wait and add the beans until after it’s done cooking. Kidney beans hold up well but softer beans like pinto could get mushy and will taste better mixed in at the end.

How To Keep Turkey Chili From Drying Out

Since turkey is leaner and lower in fat than ground beef, here are a few tips to keep your turkey from drying out:

• Be sure to choose 93/7 ground turkey. Avoid 99/1 ground turkey because it has almost no fat.
• Cook the vegetables first. Sauteeing the vegetables first helps them release their moisture. You can then add your turkey to the pot and it will absorb that moisture as it cooks. No need to drain as it cooks.
• Check your seasonings. Because it is lower in fat than ground beef, it naturally has less flavor so you may need to increase your spices to get your desired taste profile.

Turkey Chili Nutrition

Most chili recipes will contain about 25g of protein per serving, plus some fiber. The combination of the ground turkey and beans make it a nutritionally sound choice. Ground beef chili will contain a similar amount of protein and fiber but also likely be higher in both fat and saturated fat.

How To Store and Freeze Healthy Turkey Chili

Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container like Souper Cubes or ladle in to a ziploc bag and freeze flat for flat storage and quick thawing.

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Turkey Chili Recipe

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Healthy Turkey Chili FAQs

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili?

Yes. Ground turkey is lower in fat and saturated fat than ground beef, making it a heart-healthy alternative that offers a similar taste and texture to ground beef chili. If you would prefer a beef chili recipe, try this recipe for The Best Beef Chili.

Can you make turkey chili in the slow cooker?

Yes. Cook the ground turkey and veggies either in the slow cooker or on the stove. Then add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Why does turkey chili taste bland or dry?

Be sure you’re not using 99/1 ground turkey. Cooking the vegeteables first and then adding the turkey can help keep it moist. You may also need to increase the amount of seasonings you use.

Can you freeze turkey chili?

Yes, turkey freezes very well. Let cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 4 months.

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Chili Recipes

Want more chili recipes? Try these:

• Sweet Potato Chicken Chili – A twist on classic chili using sweet potatoes and chicken with a similar flavor profile.
• White Chicken Chili – If you prefer a lighter, non-tomato-based chili
• Crockpot Vegetarian Chili – for a plant-based option

Healthy Soup Recipes

Is it soup season? Try one of these easy soup recipes next time!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–