Healthier Slow Cooker Turkey Chili (No Beans)

Slow cooker turkey chili has no beans and is made with ground turkey meat. It's loaded with tangy tomato flavor and it's great for an easy weeknight dinner that you can make ahead. If a big bowl of chili is your kind of comfort food, then give this cozy meal a try!

We love our crockpot for so many reasons! Whether it's a game day meal I want to set and forget or just a busy day that leaves little time to make a hearty dinner, I know I can count on the convenience of my slow cooker to help a girl out.

One of my new favorite chili recipes is this no beans slow cooker turkey chili. It tastes great any time of the year, but especially during the fall or winter months when a big batch of homemade chili warms us up on cold nights.

Try my popular Crockpot Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe next!

Ingredients

This is an overview. Please scroll to the bottom of the post for exact amounts and printable recipe card.

• Oil - olive oil, canola oil, for browning the meat.
• Ground turkey - I used 93% lean ground turkey, not the ultra lean, which is 97% lean. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer that or ground chicken.
• Worcestershire sauce 
• Onions - I use yellow onion
• Bell peppers - I used green peppers, but red peppers can be subbed. 
• Jalapeño - leave out if you don't like it too spicy. You could also try some crushed red pepper flakes instead.
• Garlic cloves - freshly chopped gives the best flavor
• Tomato sauce - tomato paste can be substituted. 
• Rotel - this is canned diced tomatoes with green chile. 
• Water - veggie broth or chicken broth can be used.
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper
• Favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped red onion, tortilla chips, Fritos, black olives, cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, sliced green onions,  - optional.

Instructions

1) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook until browned and no longer pink. Add the Worcestershire sauce the the ground meat, stir. Add the ground meat to the crockpot insert.

2) To the same skillet (add some oil or cooking spray) add the chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and chopped jalapeño. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for one minute more. Add to crockpot.

3) Add remaining ingredients (water, tomato sauce, Rotel (drained) chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper) to the crockpot. Stir until well combined.

4) Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours.

Tips

• Since the turkey meat is cooked, the chili is safe to eat at any point. But, this chili tastes best after it's had several hours to simmer.
• Add more or less water to get desired thickness. This version is not thick.
• Adjust seasonings as needed.
• You don't have to follow this recipe to a T. Chili is one of those meals that is best when you put your own spin on it. Improvise if you have different ingredients on hand and don't want to run out to the grocery store.

Variations

To add beans: add a (15 ounce) can of your favorite beans such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans or white beans. Be sure to rinse them under cold running water first.

Add fresh cut corn or corn from the can. 

Add some veggies like bite sized pieces of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots. 

For a classic chili, use ground beef.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Start with a soup pot, stockpot or large saucepan, or Dutch oven.

Follow the same instructions, keeping ingredients in the soup pot.

Bring chili to a boil, then reduce to a simmer on low heat (gently bubbling). For thicker chili, cook uncovered, stirring occasionally. Add more water as needed. Or cook covered to reduce evaporation.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

Freeze in freezer safe containers for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Reheat on the stove top over medium-low heat, or in the microwave until heated through. Be sure to cover loosely to avoid splatters.

More hearty chili recipes

• Ground Beef Chili
• Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken White Bean Chili
• Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

More dinner crockpot recipes

• Slow Cooker Spaghetti Meat Sauce
• Crockpot Baked Ziti with Ricotta
• Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken
• Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

📖 Recipe