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    Bites with Bri » Main » No Bean Turkey & Vegetable Chili

    No Bean Turkey & Vegetable Chili

    Published: Nov 15, 2022 · Modified: Dec 20, 2022 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This healthy No Bean Turkey Vegetable Chili can be made in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. It is loaded with kale, squash, onions, and peppers. This easy recipe is low carb & keto friendly.  Serve with greek yogurt and cheese.

    Photo of no bean turkey vegetable chili in white bowl.

    I absolutely love a good bowl of chili. Try my classic Dutch Oven Chili Recipe, quick No Bean Instant Pot Chili, or creamy Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to Make No Bean Turkey Chili
    • Recipe Serving Suggestions
    • Expert Tips & Variations
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Main Dish Recipes
    • No Bean Turkey & Vegetable Chili

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Smoky - The smoked paprika adds a rich smoky flavor.
    • Mild - Despite all of the dry spices, this recipe has a very mild heat level. 
    • Healthy - This turkey chili recipe is full of vegetables, protein, and fiber. 
    • Slow cooker & stovetop friendly - Depending on how much time you have you can make this in the slow cooker on low or high or on the stove. 
    • Great for meal prep - Since this recipe makes multiple servings it is great to prepare at the beginning of the week and reheat in the microwave for lunch or dinner. 
    • Versatile - Use whatever veggies you have in the fridge. 
    • Low carb, gluten-free, & dairy-free - Always check all nutrition labels if you have dietary restrictions as ingredients differ.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Ingredients needed to make no bean turkey vegetable chili.
    • Ground Turkey: Substitute for ground beef or chicken. 
    • Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!Smoked Paprika: Be sure to use smoked and NOT plain. 
    • Kale: Substitute with chopped spinach or regular kale. 
    • Butternut Squash: Substitute with yellow squash, zucchini, or sweet potato. 
    • Crispy Corn Tortilla Strips: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Rub both sides of 5 corn tortillas with a lime wedge so they are coated in lime juice. Brush each side with 1 Tablespoon of avocado oil as well. Stack and slice into 1.5 inch strips. Sprinkle generously with coarse kosher salt. Bake for 9-11 minutes.

    Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

    How to Make No Bean Turkey Chili

    Quick Overview

    • Sauté the turkey and spices.
    • Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. 
    • Cover and cook.

    Step by Step Instructions

    A 4 photo collage showing how to assemble no bean turkey vegetable chili.

    The turkey should be completely browned.

    Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground turkey and begin to break it up.

    Step 2: Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

    Step 3: Add ¾ cup of the water or broth, bell pepper, and onion.

    Step 4: Continue cooking until the turkey is completely cooked through.

    A 2 photo collage showing how to assemble all ingredients together for no bean turkey vegetable chili.

    The chili might seem thick but the veggies will release water as they cook.

    Step 5: In the base of a slow cooker, add the cooked turkey mixture, remaining water or broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, corn, green chiles, tomato paste, kale, squash, honey, and worcestershire sauce. Stir until combined.

    Step 6: Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or on low for 6-8 hours. You can also simmer in a large pot covered on medium low for 1-2 hours on the stove, stirring occasionally.

    Recipe Serving Suggestions

    Healthy turkey chili is not complete without your favorite toppings and a side of cornbread. Here’s some options for serving:

    • Toppings: Crispy tortilla strips, tortilla chips, fritos, greek yogurt, sour cream, green onions, red onion, shredded cheese, jalapeños, cilantro, or avocado
    • Super soft & fluffy Cornbread without Buttermilk
    • Easy no-knead Dutch Oven Rustic Bread
    • Homemade cheesy garlic butter Texas Toast Recipe

    Expert Tips & Variations

    • Slow cook. Chili needs time for all of the flavors to develop. This is why I recommend the slow cooker or simmering on the stove for at least an hour. I even think this chili tastes better the next day.  
    • Add spice. This recipe is extremely mild. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to make it spicy. 
    • Freeze leftovers. Portion the chili in individual freezer bags or containers. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen on the stove covered until heated through.
    Close up image of no bean turkey chili garnished with tortilla chips and shredded cheese.

    Recipe FAQs

    What can I put in chili instead of beans?

    Instead of beans, this recipe calls for vegetables. I like to use corn, kale, and butternut squash.

    Are beans necessary for chili?

    No, not at all. This is completely a personal preference.

    What vegetables are good with chili?

    I like to add onions, bell peppers, corn, squash, and kale. You could also add spinach, sweet potato, zucchini, celery, or carrot.

    What are some secret ingredients for chili?

    The key to a flavorful chili is a good spice blend. I like to balance the acidity in the tomatoes with a touch of honey as well.

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    More Main Dish Recipes

    • Cast Iron Skillet Lamb Chops
    • Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe
    • 25 Simple Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Recipes
    • Coconut Lime Salmon

    If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and/or comment! I always appreciate your feedback. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram.

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    5 from 28 votes

    No Bean Turkey & Vegetable Chili

    This healthy No Bean Turkey Vegetable Chili can be made in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. It is loaded with kale, squash, onions, and peppers. This easy recipe is low carb & keto friendly.  Serve with greek yogurt and cheese.
    Servings6
    Prep15 minutes
    Cook3 hours
    Total3 hours 15 minutes
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Brianna May

    Equipment:

    • Slow Cooker
    • Stirring Spoon

    Ingredients:

    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 pound lean ground turkey*

    Chili Seasoning

    • 3 Tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika*
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons cumin
    • 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
    • 2 teaspoons oregano
    • 1 ½ teaspoons Morton coarse kosher salt, plus more to taste*
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper

    Vegetables & Liquids

    • 1 large white onion diced
    • 1 large green bell pepper diced
    • 1 ½ cup water or chicken broth divided
    • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed fire roasted tomato
    • 1 (15 ounce) diced tomatoes
    • 1 (15 ounce) can yellow corn, drained
    • 1 (7 ounce) diced green chiles
    • ¼ cup tomato paste
    • 1 medium bunch dino kale, ribs removed & chopped finely*
    • 2 cups frozen butternut squash cubes
    • 1 Tablespoon honey
    • 1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce

    Toppings

    • homemade crispy corn tortilla strips, see notes for instructions*
    • greek yogurt, green onions, shredded cheese, or avocado

    Instructions:

    • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground turkey and begin to break it up.
    • Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    • Add ¾ cup of the water or broth, bell pepper, and onion.
    • Continue cooking until the turkey is completely cooked through.
    • In the base of a slow cooker, add the cooked turkey mixture, remaining water or broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, corn, green chiles, tomato paste, kale, squash, honey, and worcestershire sauce. Stir until combined.
    • Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or on low for 6-8 hours. You can also simmer in a large pot covered on medium low for 1-2 hours on the stove, stirring occasionally.

    Notes:

    • Ground Turkey: Substitute for ground beef or chicken. 
    • Smoked Paprika: Be sure to use smoked and NOT plain. 
    • Kale: Substitute with chopped spinach or regular kale. 
    • Butternut Squash: Substitute with yellow squash, zucchini, or sweet potato.
    • Crispy Corn Tortilla Strips: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Rub both sides of 5 corn tortillas with a lime wedge so they are coated in lime juice. Brush each side with 1 Tablespoon of avocado oil as well. Stack and slice into 1.5 inch strips. Sprinkle generously with coarse kosher salt. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
    • Slow cook. Chili needs time for all of the flavors to develop. This is why I recommend the slow cooker or simmering on the stove for at least an hour. I even think this chili tastes better the next day.  
    • Add spice. This recipe is extremely mild. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to make it spicy. 
    • Freeze leftovers. Portion the chili in individual freezer bags or containers. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen on the stove covered until heated through.

    NUTRITION:

    Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 1164mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention or tag @bites.with.bri_ or use the hashtag #biteswithbri
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    Comments

    1. Karen

      November 16, 2022 at 5:49 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect comfort for our cold weather

      Reply

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    I am a recipe developer, food photographer, blogger. My goal is to teach you how to cook, not just follow my recipes. I love to cook with bold flavors that are still family friendly. My hubs is a picky eater and all of these recipes are approved by him, so I am sure you and your family will love them too. Learn more about Bri >>

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