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4.6 from 15 votes

Healthy Turkey Chili

This healthy turkey chili is great for busy weekdays and one of my favorite recipes to meal prep! This flavor-packed chili has both stove top and slow cooker instructions and is ready to knock your socks off!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 486 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey used 93% lean
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 TBSP chopped fresh garlic
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 Jalapeño cored, deveined and finely chopped
  • 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1.5 TBSP chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 cup canned tomato sauce
  • 1 can pinto chili beans (15-16 oz) mild, medium, or spicy
  • ½ tsp cocoa powder optional
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • cheese and sour cream and lime for topping
TASTY TOPPING OPTIONS - choose your favorites!
  • Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced jalapeño peppers
  • grated cheddar cheese
  • crispy corn chips
  • fresh scallions
  • Sliced avocado
  • Pico de Gallo
  • salsa

Instructions

STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS
    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat oil over high heat in a medium-large pot or dutch oven.
  2. Add the turkey and cook until lightly browned, approx. 5 minutes, chopping/stirring with the side of a spoon or spatula to break it up into crumbles.
  3. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño along with oregano, chili powder, cumin, and a bay leaf. Mix well and cook an additional 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
  4. Next add the diced tomatoes (no need to drain) and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer (somewhere between low and medium) and cover pot with a lid. Simmer for 15 minutes, checking and stirring about halfway through.
  5. Add chili beans, optional cocoa powder (love it so) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Divide chili into bowls and top with all your favorite chili toppings!
SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Heat oil over high heat in a medium-large pot or dutch oven. Add the turkey and cook until lightly browned, approx. 5 minutes, chopping/stirring with the side of a spoon or spatula to break it up into crumbles. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Transfer turkey to the slow cooker and add all remaining ingredients. Mix and secure the lid. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
  3. Season with any additional salt and pepper desired (to taste) and portion into bowls. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Notes

  • Craving some HEAT? You make this chili spicy by adding the seeds from the jalapeño into the mix or even using two jalapeños in your chili. Another option is some ground cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for some tasty fire in your bowl!
  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on toppings chosen and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 486kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 40g (80%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 6g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 112mg (37%) Sodium 1137mg (47%) Potassium 1690mg (48%) Fiber 15g (60%) Sugar 15g (30%) Vitamin A 3341IU (67%) Vitamin C 81mg (90%) Calcium 219mg (22%) Iron 8mg (44%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 486

% Daily Value*

Calories 486kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 40g 80%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g 35%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 112mg 37%
Sodium 1137mg 47%
Potassium 1690mg 36%
Fiber 15g 60%
Sugar 15g 30%
Vitamin A 3341IU 67%
Vitamin C 81mg 90%
Calcium 219mg 22%
Iron 8mg 44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.