My Sister's Turkey Chili, Crockpot-Style | The Nourished Child MS, RDN

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My Sister’s Turkey Chili, Crockpot-Style

One of my go-to, busy weeknight meals: turkey chili, crockpot-style, inspired by my sister.

My sister, Karen, has always been a wonderful cook.  Not the gourmet, fashionable kind of cook, but the down-home, practical, family-style cook with which I grew up.  

Her meals are always tasty and simple. I especially love her turkey chili, crock-pot style.

Karen has always been devoted to cooking for her family and she makes the effort regularly.

There was a time when I thought she was a little compulsive about her dinner meal. She would begin preparing dinner at 3 pm— this was the routine everyday.  

It was a time when I was not working and at home with four very young children. She was doing the same with three children.

The difference between us:  I thought I had all the time in the world to prepare dinners and she was always preparing to be prepared.

Her devotion to family meals impresses me to this day!  She is also a wonderful entertainer and mother.

Easy and Healthy Turkey Chili, in the crock pot

Easy Turkey Chili Crockpot Recipe

Last night I made her turkey chili (actually I started it at 1 pm–see, I have learned some good tips from her!), which is a delicious, essentially fat-free turkey and bean chili.  

Paired with cornbread and toppings, it’s a big family pleaser.  

Warning:  it is chock-full of protein and fiber, so a little bit goes a long way.  Don’t make the mistake I did and have seconds.

You’ll be feeling it for awhile.

Ground turkey.
Brown your ground turkey first.

Why Fiber is So Important for Kids

So many kids deal with constipation. Part of this is due to their diet. Fiber is a key nutrient to help the digestive system process all the food we eat.

But, because many children don’t get enough fruits and vegetables or whole grains, they can be susceptible to constipation.

One of the things I love about this recipe is the fact that it contains beans, corn and other veggies. Fiber? Check Plus!

Pinto beans, chopped onion and canned corn are ingredients in my easy and healthy turkey chili in the crock pot
Chopped onions, pinto beans and corn

High Protein Chili Recipe & Why Protein is a Must at Meals

When I counsel families on meal planning, I always, always start with protein first. I believe protein is a critical nutrient in helping children feel satisfied when eating.

It’s also useful in helping kids hold off on being too hungry before the next meal or snack comes around.

Inclusion of protein at meals may help children better regulate their appetite, eating and weight status.

The power behind protein in the diet is a strategic move all parents can use.

Try Crockpot Turkey Chili

As a working mom, I have relied on this slow cooker turkey chili recipe more times than I can count. It’s easy to throw together, so tasty, nutritious and delicious. 

We love it, and we love my sister Karen!  Let me know how you like it.

I’ll be sure to share some of Karen’s other yummy, simple, family-style recipes in the future.

Need More Family Food Inspiration?

Check out my page of other recipes and my recipe booklets in the shop!

Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker

Crockpot-Style Turkey Chili

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

A low fat, high protein, high fiber recipe for turkey chili in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

  • 1# ground turkey
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 1/2 oz can corn, low sodium; drain & rinse
  • 15 oz can of Tomato sauce
  • 14 1/2 oz can of Diced tomato
  • 10 oz can of Diced tomato with green chile (Rotelle)
  • 1 Tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Brown the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet. 

Chop the onion.

Drain and rinse the corn and beans.

Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and stir.

Cook on high heat for 4 hours. 

Notes

Serve this with cornbread or over tortilla chips.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 72Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 317mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g

This is an estimation of nutritional content.

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