A Healthy Turkey Chili recipe that is tasty, simple and made in the crockpot or instant pot with no beans. Paleo, whole30 and easy to make! This healthy chili recipe is great for serving over cauliflower rice for a Whole30 option, regular rice, tortilla chips or just on its own!
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This Turkey Chili is the best crockpot meal you’ll make.
Now, I know that’s a bold statement – but stay with me here.
Why We Love This Whole30 Chili Recipe
I love making chili in the crockpot because it allows the flavors to cook low and slow for maximum flavor. Plus, who doesn’t want the slow cooker to make them dinner? This chili is:
- protein packed
- low in fat
- loaded with veggies
- bursting with flavor
- it’s made in your crockpot/slow cooker
Chili is one of the easiest things to make…and if you have a crockpot it’s even easier! You all know I’m the crockpot queen.
(Hello Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork & Whole 30 Crockpot Stuffed Peppers – my other two favorite dinners!)
Turkey Paleo Chili Recipe Ingredients
To make turkey chili in the crockpot you’ll need:
- ground turkey
- olive oil
- onion, garlic, peppers, carrots
- canned crushed tomatoes
- spices: paprika, red pepper flakes (omit for less spicy), pepper,  chili powder, cumin,  salt,  cinnamon, turmeric
You’re probably wondering – well if there are no beans, what IS in this paleo turkey chili? VEGGIES! All the veggies. I loaded this chili up with carrots, peppers, and tomatoes.
There are substitutions for most of these ingredients listed below in the green shaded substitutions section!
Most of these are things you probably already have on hand! Once you have your ingredients, these cookies are fairly simple to make!
How to Make Paleo Chili
To make turkey chili:
- Heat oil in a pan. Cook turkey over medium high heat until browned, approximately 10 minutes.
- While turkey is browning, chop all vegetables + prepare spices.Â
- Add browned turkey + all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir all of the ingredients together in the crockpot until thoroughly mixed
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
The ground turkey in this recipe is way lighter than beef, making this the perfect protein + veggie packed dish! Your family is totally going to love it.Â
Something to note – this recipe makes a pretty large batch of chili (an entire crockpot full).
However, it does freeze very well. It’s perfect for making one large batch, enjoying it for dinner + freezing it for later in the week!
For all my freezing tips, check out my post on How To Freeze Soup.
Substitutions for Whole 30 Chili with Turkey
Turkey: This turkey chili works with ground turkey, beef, or chicken! You can also use chicken breasts and make a paleo shredded chicken chili. We also have a Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili, Healthy White Chicken Chili, Pumpkin Chicken Chili if you’re looking for other chili recipes, or this Gluten Free Chili Mac is a delicious twist on chili!
Veggies: You can use more or less of any of the veggies in this recipe. Feel free to use fewer peppers, more carrots, etc. It’s a pretty flexible recipe.
Beans: If you are not paleo/whole30 – you can totally add beans to this chili. It’s a great addition! Or check out our Ground Turkey Chili!
Sweet Potatoes: I have made this with sweet potatoes. I cut them into large 1 inch chunks. I would recommend adding 2 cups of sweet potatoes if you’d like.
Spices: You can add more and fewer spices if you like. It seems like a lot of seasoning but I promise it’s delicious.
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Yes, you can make this turkey chili in the instant pot, crockpot OR on your stovetop!
If you are making this in the instant pot, make sure to scrape off any pieces of food on the bottom of the Instant Pot or you will may have a burn notice during cooking.Â
You also must make sure your Instant Pot pressure is set to sealing. See below for instant pot instructions in the recipe.
Do you need to cook the ground turkey ahead of time?
Yes, you need to cook the turkey before adding it to the crockpot. It adds texture to the chili and ensures the meat is completely cooked!
If you’re making this recipe on the stove/instant pot – you also need to cook the meat.Â
Whole30 Chili FAQ
Chili can be an awesome healthy recipe for weight loss. This turkey chili recipe is low calorie, high in veggies and fiber and high in protein making it perfect for those on a weight loss journey.
Healthy Turkey Chili is the healthiest chili! It’s low in fat, high in protein, and loaded with vegetables. Ground chicken or lean ground beef are also great for chili
The average turkey chili has roughly 200 calories per cup. This turkey chili recipe has less than 200 calories per cup.
There are 15g of carbs in 1.5 cups of turkey chili without beans. The carbs come from the tomato sauce in the chili.
There are so many things to add to chili if you don’t like beans. We like to add carrots, red peppers and even zucchini to bulk up chili without beans.
What to Serve with No Bean Turkey Chili
- If you’re paleo or whole30: Serve this chili over cauliflower rice, Crispy Sheet Pan Roasted Potatoes, or with your own homemade roasted plantains.
- Over a salad
- Rice/Quinoa: If you aren’t following a strict paleo/whole30 diet I like to put this over rice or quinoa.
- Toppings: Guacamole, avocado, and chopped onion are all great paleo toppings for this recipe. If you’re not strict paleo you could add cheddar cheese or crushed tortilla chips
Toppings for Paleo Chili
There are so many toppings for paleo chili. Here are some of my favorites:
- red onion
- avocado
- guacamole
- salsa
- jalapeno
How do you store Turkey Chili? Does it freeze well?
Storing: This will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container
Freezing: You can freeze this turkey chili! This chili freezes very well. In fact, I usually get 3 or 4 small containers and divided the leftovers from the crockpot once we’re done eating it for dinner. We like these containers for freezing. You can use code CLEANEATINGCOUPLE to save $$ on them!
Reheating: Then, when you’re ready to enjoy, you can take a container out of the freezer and heat over the stove or in the microwave. It’s great for a quick meal!
If you LOVE paleo slow cooker recipes you should grab a copy of my Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes Ebook! If you love ground turkey, check out these Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes!
Other healthy crockpot dinners:
We love our crockpot! Here are some of our favorite healthy crockpot dinners:
Turkey Paleo Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 cup peppers chopped in small squares – 1/2 inch
- 1 cup carrots minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes low salt if necessary
- 1 tablespoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit for less spicy)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Optional:
- 2 cups steamed cauliflower rice
Instructions
Crockpot Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan. Cook turkey over medium high heat until browned, approximately 10 minutes
- While turkey is browning, chop all vegetables + prepare spices.Â
- Add browned turkey + all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir all of the ingredients together in the crockpot until thoroughly mixed
- Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Instructions
- *Warning* The instant pot Is very finicky. We do not recommend making this chili in it unless you must as it may give you a burn notice. This chili tastes much better and is easier to make in your crockpot or on the stove.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode for 15 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Chop onion. Sauté turkey and onion for 5-7 minutes, until mostly browned.
- While the turkey is cooking, chop carrots and peppers. *You could also add the onions later so it’s all one step to chop and cook the veggies!
- Remove turkey from pot and drain liquid from pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil back to pan. Sauté carrots and peppers for 5 minutes.
- Important: Make sure to scrape off any pieces of food on the bottom of the Instant Pot or you will get a burn notice during cooking.
- Add crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of water, then add turkey back into pot. Add spices. Stir together.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes on high pressure. Make sure the pressure release is set to sealing (on older models). When finished cooking, allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Stovetop Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan. Cook turkey over medium high heat until browned, approximately 10 minutes.
- While turkey is browning, chop all vegetables + prepare spices.Â
- When turkey is cooked, add in vegetables, spices + canned tomatoes. Stir until thoroughly combined
- Bring chili to a low simmer until it starts to bubble. Once simmering, cook over low-medium heat for 30 minutes to 2 hours stirring every 10-15 minutes.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Video
Notes
- Make sure to scrape off any pieces of food on the bottom of the Instant Pot or you will may a burn notice during cooking.Â
- Make sure your Instant Pot pressure is set to sealing.
Alyssa says
I made the Clean Eating Couple’s paleo turkey chili and it is to die for! The little bit of cinnamon was something I had never done before but added a great flavor to the chili. My husband loves spicy food so I did add some jalapeños as well so the spicy/cinnamon combo was unreal!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you so much Alyssa! Love the addition of jalapenos – that sound SO good!!
Kristin says
This turkey chili recipe has become a staple in my house! After having my second son I stumbled on The Clean Eating Couples Instagram and found this recipe by accident! I make the turkey chili at least once a week and what I love is that my 2 toddlers and husband eat this right up. I also think this recipe is great for meal prepping. I have 2 active toddlers and I’m non stop so this is something I can easily warm up and get a healthy meal in on those crazy days.
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you like the recipe, Kristin! It makes me so happy to hear that your whole family likes it too 🙂 The chili also freezes SO well if you ever want to prep it in advance and freeze it for another night when you need an easy dinner!
Allie says
We enjoyed this recipe a lot! It’s so nice to prep it in the morning and then let it cook in the crockpot until dinner. We serve our chili over baked sweet potatoes. So good!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked it, Allie! I love this chili over sweet potatoes – SO good!
Angie says
This is fantastic! I am currently doing a whole 30 and I have two teenage boys so cooking for us all can be a challenge sometimes. They loved it as well!
I will definitely be adding this to my weekly menu.😊
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thanks, Angie!! Makes me happy to hear that you and your family enjoy it 🙂 I know it can be tough to share W30 recipes with a family!
Abby says
Best. Chili. EVER!!!! Chili always made my stomach upset but not this recipe. My hubby and I make it at least once a month – yes, all year round. The plus side? Have random veggies in your fridge you don’t know what to do with? Use them in this chili. It’s a win-win. You’re welcome.
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you so much, Abby! I’m with you – I love making this because it’s an easy way to use up all the veggies in my fridge AND it makes a huge batch! So glad you like it!
Jen K says
I love chili year-round, and this is a perfect recipe to make anytime! A delicious and healthy alternative. Not to mention soooo easy to make 🙂
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you like it, Jen!! Thanks so much!
Karen says
I am doing Whole30 this month, and I was looking for something new to try. I was so excited to come across this recipe, and it did not disappoint! It’s super easy to make, and it is hearty and delicious! You don’t miss the beans at all. My husband is not a veggie guy, and he went back for seconds! This one is becoming a regular part of my meal prepping for sure!
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m so glad you liked it, Karen!! And that your husband liked it too 🙂 It definitely is a sneaky way to hide veggies!
Kimberly Mowdy says
Love this chili! My family ate this over baked potatoes! 🙂
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you so much!! Love that idea- I’m totally trying that!
Abbi says
I made this yesterday. Seriously people, you NEED this chili in your recipe rotation, NOW! It is cowboy and toddler approved and is amazing re-heated. SO GOOD! I used half lean ground beef, half ground turkey breast and snuck the veggies in without either picky eater complaining – in fact they both asked for more. Make this, you will be happy you did!!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you so much, Abbi! It makes me so happy that your WHOLE family loved this!! And yay for sneaking in veggies 🙂
Kate says
So delicious!! I made it with ground beef too Yummy! Easy prep!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Glad you like it, Kate! This chili is one of my favorites!
Jennifer says
I live for quick, minimal ingredients, and delicious- this has all 3 and more!! I’ve made this even in the summer and it never disappoints- full of flavor with no guilt.
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m so glad you like it, Jennifer! It’s one of our favorites too – even in the summer!
Whitney Nichols says
This was the first crockpot recipe from The Clean Eating Couple I tried and I was SO impressed! It was easy to follow, the chili came out perfect and tasted delicious. Definitely try it out!
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m so glad you liked it, Whitney!! Can’t wait for you to try other recipes 🙂
Stephanie says
Hands down the best Turkey Chili recipe I have tried. Had made it as a meal prep for my dinners for the week and it was good EVRY night! Served it over mashed cauliflower instead of cauli rice or noodles and it was delicious! Highly recommend!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you Stephanie!! I’m definitely tryin git over mashed cauliflower rice – that sounds yummy!
Amy J. says
I made this in the crockpot and loved it. Tried it in the IP today cause I got started late and it keeps burning. I looked back at the IP instructions and they mention adding water with the crushed tomatoes, but I don’t see water anywhere on the ingredients list, so I’m confused. Is this why it keeps burning? I washed the whole pot, put the chili back in and added almost 2 cups of water and it still burned again :(.
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi Amy – I’m really sorry to hear this. Did you really scrape the pan before adding in the tomatoes/water? There can’t be anything stuck or you’ll get a burn notice. The water is listed in step #5 – 1 cup. The instant pot is super finicky. I rarely make chili in it for this reason. But I would think that the lack of water the first time around is what gave you the notice. I just added a note to the recipe about this.
elizabeth wuthrich says
could i make this on the stove ??
The Clean Eating Couple says
Yes! You probably could! I would follow the steps and instead of putting in the crockpot, cook it on the stove on medium high heat for 2 hours or so. Make sure you stir it frequently! It definitely tastes better in the crockpot because it cooks low and slow 🙂
Jo says
I’m making this for dinner right now – I’m using beef as Ground Turkey/Turkey mince isn’t something readily available in NZ. I’m also using the stove top because I left it too late in the day to get it into the crockpot. However, should there be liquid for the stove top method also? Without adding any liquid, there doesn’t seem to be enough water to cook the chilli for 2 hours without it burning dry. Tx, Jo
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi Jo – Sorry I’m just seeing this. It should be fine on the stove without any liquid, but you can always add chicken stock if you find it needs it! Hope you enjoyed it!
Susanna says
This is such a delicious recipe! I halve the meat, as we don’t eat much meat (I also added some red kidney beans). I especially love the turmeric, and the veggies! This is going on my meal rotation. Thanks for a great recipe!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you so much, Susanna! You totally can add beans and serve over rice to bulk this up instead of using all the meat! I’m so glad you love this recipe as much as we do!
Diane Selzam says
Super easy and delicious chili! Make a double batch, you won’t be sad you did!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thanks, Diane! So glad you liked it!! I usually make a double batch and freeze it so I always have some! 🙂
Sheila says
This is very timely as I got myself a new crockpot. Will try this turkey chili on Sunday. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Marina says
This looks so good! The portion is huge for me, though. If I cut all the ingredients in half, will the cooking time be the same?
Thanks 🙂
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi Marina – I’m sorry but I’m really not sure. I would still recommend cooking this for the same amount of time because it allows the veggies to get tender + the flavors to marinate together. However, I would keep a close eye on it. I’ve only made the recipe per the instructions. If you’re concerned about portion size you can always make this + freeze half of it – that’s what I do!
Robin says
This was really good. It did not make 20 servings. It only made 12 servings at a cup each. Still only 2 points. Tqank you for sharing.
The Clean Eating Couple says
Oh my goodness! That was a total typo on my end. I’m so sorry! I just edited the recipe to 12 servings. I’m so glad you enjoyed it + thanks for pointing out my mistake!
Schmiddy says
Overall, really good! My typical chili is full of beef, bacon and beans, so I knew this would be different. It was but we really liked it. I found the meat to veggie ratio to be a bit high. Next time I would either add beans and a bit more veggies or pull back on the meat. It was a tad soupy in consistency but ate nicely. Could add a few more tomatoes in place of some of the broth? I did double the chili powder and cumin and added minced garlic. I also used smoked paprika instead of regular. All tasted great! Thanks for the recipe!
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m so glad you liked it! This recipe doesn’t have beans or garlic in them because I try to follow a low FODMAP diet. Both beans and garlic tend to irritate my stomach, so I stay away from them. If you like them/can tolerate them I’d definitely add them in!
Lindsey says
It doesn’t have garlic? Garlic is one of the ingredients?
The Clean Eating Couple says
Please reread the recipe. Garlic is listed right under onions: 1 tablespoon garlic minced
Tori says
Hi! This sounds delicious! I was wondering if it were possible to add some sweet potatoes in the chili itself?
Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi Tori- I’ve never tried this, but I think it might work. I would probably add chopped sweet potatoes in after everything has been cooking in the crockpot for about 203 hours… I wouldn’t want them to get too mushy! Let me know if you try it.
Adrienne says
Just came across this recipe and it sounds amazing! Can you possibly tell me the macros for it?
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi Adrienne- So happy you found the recipe! I unfortunately don’t have the macros on this, but it’s pretty high in protein and low in fat/carbs. I would try to calculate based on whatever meat/veggies you use and your portion size. Sorry! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Kristy says
This looks delicious!! How long do you cook the sweet potato noodles for?
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you, Kristy! i typically just microwave them for 2-3 minutes. I prefer them to be firm, but you could microwave for longer if you’d like them softer
The Clean Eating Couple says
Right?! Chili is my FAVORITE!
jess larson | playswellwithbutter.com says
bring on the fall flavors! this chili looks awesome, & anything that simplifies my life by going in the crock pot is a sure winner. LOVE the idea to serve over sweet potato noodles – definitely stealing that trick soon!
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m SO ready for fall, Jess!! The crockpot is my favorite + serving this over sweet potato noodles is SO yummy!! 🙂