Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Written by: Andrea Lynn

A step is eliminated by putting uncooked ground turkey directly into the slow cooker, instead of browning it beforehand. Also, if you like a little spice in your chili but want to tame it down for your kids’ benefit, puree a can of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. Stir a teaspoon or so into your chili bowl to spike up the heat while keeping the kids’ versions spice-free.

Serves 6

1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey

1 medium yellow or white onion, peeled and diced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 (15-ounce) can each of kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans, drained

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles

1 1/2 tablespoons mild, salt-free chili powder

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Optional toppings: Sliced radishes, cilantro leaves, avocado chunks, chopped scallions, low fat sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, etc.

In a 7- to 8-quart slow cooker bowl, combine all the ingredients; stir together very well, breaking up ground turkey. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. Taste, adjusting salt and spices, as needed. The ground turkey, onion, and red pepper will give off a bit of moisture—if the chili is too thin for you, use an immersion blender to puree it a little to thicken. When ready to serve, serve with toppings.