When the evening chill settles in, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of chili to wrap you in warmth. This low calorie slow cooker chili is just the kind of meal that feels like a gentle hug after a long day. It’s packed with lean turkey, colorful peppers, and hearty beans simmered slowly to create layers of flavor that deepen over hours. The kind of comfort food that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down or guilty.
I remember the first time I made this chili. It was one of those busy weekdays where I was juggling work calls and dinner plans, and honestly, I forgot to stir halfway through. That little oversight didn’t ruin anything—it actually let the edges get a bit caramelized, adding a smoky note that surprised me in a good way. The aroma filled the kitchen, coaxing me off the couch even before the timer went off. There’s something about the slow cooker doing its quiet magic that feels like a small act of kindness to yourself.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Easy prep: Just brown the turkey, toss everything in the slow cooker, and walk away.
- Full flavor without the guilt: Lean meat and loads of veggies make it hearty yet light.
- Hands-off cooking that lets you focus on whatever else your evening demands.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated tricks, just honest ingredients.
- Generous servings that stretch across leftovers, though those sometimes disappear faster than expected.
Even if you’re new to slow cooking, this chili is a friendly place to start. The ingredients come together in a way that feels forgiving, and the slow cooker handles the rest.
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Low Calorie Slow Cooker Chili
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A healthy and flavorful low calorie chili made in the slow cooker, packed with lean turkey, beans, and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal without the extra calories.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce, no salt added
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Transfer the cooked turkey and vegetables to the slow cooker.
Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
After cooking, stir the chili and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes:
You really don’t need any fancy gadgets here—just a reliable slow cooker and a skillet to brown the turkey before starting the long simmer. When it’s time to serve, a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a nice touch, though I often skip these to keep it light. If you want to switch things up, consider swapping turkey for lean ground chicken or even a plant-based crumbled protein you like. Sometimes I toss in a little corn or swap black beans for pinto beans, but honestly, I haven’t tested all combos yet. It’s a forgiving recipe, so feel free to experiment.
FAQ:
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely, though you might want to add extra beans or veggies to keep it satisfying.
How long can leftovers last?
Stored airtight, it keeps well for about four days refrigerated, or you can freeze it for up to three months.
Is it spicy?
It has a gentle kick, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Give this slow cooker chili a try when you want something nourishing without fuss. Save it, print it, and let it be one of those go-to dinners that show up when you need a little comfort without the calories.