Need a satisfying and Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili that’s easy to throw together? Weeknights or game day has never been so easy! Healthy Crockpot Recipes are a must! Try this zesty, protein-packed, full-flavor slow cooker recipe. 

Try Healthier Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken and Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes!

Crockpot Turkey Chili in a bowl topped with sliced jalapeño and cilantro.

No matter what time of year it is, a hearty and healthy slow cooker recipe is always good to have in rotations. This Healthy Crockpot Chili is just that! This recipe is packed with zesty flavor, fiber, and oh-so-much deliciousness. Nothing too heavy, but nourishing and delicious. 

The best part? This recipe is a crockpot meal that you can toss in the slow cooker and come home to a warm, protein-packed dinner.

They can add some rice or quinoa for an even heartier meal. Or, they could top it with some avocado or cheese – because who doesn’t love cheese?? 

In case you’re interested, here are the Weight Watchers points per serving for this Turkey Chili: 4 SmartPoint; 3 PointsPlus; 2 POINTS (old)

When you need something for a hungry crowd, this is an awesome tailgating or football party recipe!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Turkey Chili

You can make a crockpot full of deliciousness with just a few nutritious ingredients! 

  • 1 pound ground turkey (or extra-lean ground beef)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
  • 1 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 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp black pepper and salt (to taste)

How To Make A Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

In less than 15 minutes, you can brown your meat, saute your onions, peppers, and zucchini, and place the rest of the ingredients and spices in your crockpot.

Then, set it and forget it. 4-5 hours later, dinner and perhaps lunch for the next day are DONE!

Step 1

Cook ground beef or turkey in a nonstick skillet. Cook until well browned and break into small pieces. Next, add garlic for the last few minutes of cooking. Drain off any fat, then return to the pan. Add peppers and onions and cook until softened about 3-5 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cumin.

Step 2

Place tomatoes, kidney beans, zucchini, chilies or jalapeno, tomato paste, basil, and meat mixture in your crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high until flavors are blended, about 4-5 hours—Season to taste with black pepper and salt.

Ingredient in a crockpot for turkey chili.

Step 3

Finally, place your favorite topping on a heaping serving and enjoy! 

Of course, you definitely need some delicious toppings like jalapeño peppers, cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream/Greek yogurt, cilantro, or even fresh sliced avocado.

Turkey Chili in a crockpot with a ladle.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chili

  • You can use ground turkey or ground beef in this recipe; both are delicious.
  • We use a 6-quart slow cooker for the recipe. 
  • If you like your chili to have some kick, add some jalapeno peppers to the recipe.
  • For toppings: cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream/greek yogurt.
  • For a hearty meal, serve over rice or quinoa.
  • You can cook all the ingredients the night before and place them in the crockpot the next day if you need extra time. 
  • If you like it, you can add canned corn or sweet potatoes to the recipe.

If you want a Slow Cooker Turkey Chili without beans, you can leave them out. 

How To Store

  • You can keep Turkey Chili in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. 
  • This chili recipe freezes well. Place cooked ingredients (plus beans and spices) in an airtight container and freeze before cooking, or cook and then freeze. 

Recipe FAQs

Can I use beef or turkey in this Crock Pot Chili?

Yes, either ground beef or turkey meat makes a wonderful chili in the crock pot. Turkey is leaner, so slightly healthier, but both taste absolutely delicious. 

What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

You can add diced bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or spinach to your chili for added nutrients and flavor.

What kinds of beans should I use?

You can use a variety of beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or a combination in this crock pot chili. Healthy Tip: Choose low-sodium canned beans or cook dried beans to reduce sodium content.

More Healthy Crock Pot Recipes

Make sure to visit our Crockpot page so you can make all of our delicious slow cooker recipes!

Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagna
Healthier Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken
Crock Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Crockpot Vegetable Soup

Love this Crock Pot Turkey Chili recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.

You can also FOLLOW US  FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food, fun crafts, + DIYs!

This recipe originally appeared on Real Housemoms.

This Easy Crockpot Turkey Chili is a weeknight favorite the whole family will love, but it’s only 4 SmartPoints per serving, so you all can dig in!

Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili with jalapeño and green onion garnish
5 from 3 reviews

Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili Recipe

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Author: Erin @ Suburban Simplicity
Need a satisfying and Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili that's easy to throw together? Try this zesty, protein-packed, full-flavor slow cooker recipe. Weeknights have never been so easy!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

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 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp black pepper and salt, to taste

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Cook ground beef or turkey in a nonstick skillet. Cook until well browned. Add garlic the last few minutes of cooking. Drain off any fat, then return to the pan. Add peppers and onions and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cumin.
  • Place tomatoes, kidney beans, zucchini, chilies or jalapeno, tomato paste, basil, and meat mixture in the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high until flavors are blended, about 4-5 hours–Season to taste with black pepper and salt.
  • Approximately 1 cup serving: 4 SmartPoint; 3 PointsPlus; 2 POINTS (old)

Notes

MEAT: You can use turkey or ground beef in this recipe, and both are delicious.
TOPPING IDEAS: Cilantro, tortilla chips, sour cream, cheese, jalapeños, sliced green onion, or avocado. 
MAKE-AHEAD: You can make the ingredients the night before and then place them in your slow cooker the day you plan to cook them. 
Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Calories: 65kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 260mg, Potassium: 266mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 795IU, Vitamin C: 17.7mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @suburbansimplicity on Instagram or use the hashtag #suburbansimplicity!

We updated this Turkey Chili recipe with enhanced instructions and video on 10/24/19.