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Turkey Chili (Low Calorie)

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This low-calorie turkey chili comes in swinging. This healthy chili recipe is chunky, spiced with hearty beans, and shamelessly better the next day.

healthy turkey chili (low calorie) with shredded cheese on top for garnish

Turkey Chili – Lower Calorie 

If I had to describe the taste of this low-calorie turkey chili, “simmered forever” comes to mind. The first bowl is solid, but the next day and the next somehow get better. You could say it struts back stronger, if that’s even a thing.

The fresh salsa wakes the whole pot up, and three kinds of beans make it thick enough to stand a spoon in. I like the corn for a little pop of sweetness against the spice. Starting with whole canned tomatoes is a must since they’re packed at peak ripeness, and that’s where the best flavor comes from. It’s the kind of low calorie chili that eats like it shouldn’t be.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Quick to throw together on any night.
  • Big flavor for a healthy chili recipe.
  • Lean turkey makes it a low fat chili that’s still hearty.

Dutch oven filled with low calorie chili made with turkey, beans, corn, and tomatoes.

Ingredients

Fresh salsa, blended tomatoes, and a mix of beans make this low-calorie turkey chili stand out.

  • Canned whole peeled tomatoes – blended smooth for the base.
  • Onion and garlic – chili essentials.
  • Ground turkey (93%) – lean and hearty.
  • Chili powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne – the spice mix.
  • Salt and pepper – for seasoning.
  • Fresh salsa – fresher taste than jarred.
  • Chicken broth – keeps it saucy.
  • Black, pinto, and red kidney beans – variety and texture.
  • Canned corn – adds sweetness.
  • Low-fat cheese and green onion – garnish on top.

Ingredients laid out for a healthy chili recipe including turkey, beans, tomatoes, corn, salsa, and spices.

How To Make This Turkey Chili 

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

  • Step One (blend the tomatoes)
    I start this low-calorie turkey chili by tossing the whole canned tomatoes into a blender and blitzing them smooth. That’s my base and I like having it ready before anything else.
  • Step Two (cook the onions and turkey)
    A quick spray in the Dutch oven and in go the onions. Let them soften until they just start to brown, then add the ground turkey and cook until the pink is gone. The spices go in at this point and I stir them into the meat so they really bloom before any liquid hits the pot. Garlic goes in last for just a minute so it doesn’t burn.
  • Step Three (build the chili)
    Now everything goes in. I pour in the blended tomatoes, fresh salsa, chicken broth, beans, corn, and salt. Give it a good stir, bring it up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This healthy chili recipe makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
  • Step Four (serve it up)
    Ladle into bowls and top with low-fat cheese and green onion. It’s a low fat chili that still tastes hearty every time.

Step by step photos showing how to make low calorie chili with turkey, from blending tomatoes to simmering beans and corn in a Dutch oven.

If you like lighter chilis but want something richer in flavor, my ground chicken chili is another one worth making.

Recipe Tips

This low-calorie turkey chili is all about the little details that change everything.

  • Let the onions get a little brown before adding the turkey. This is when the flavor hits.
  • Work the spices into the turkey before adding liquids so they bloom.
  • Blending canned whole tomatoes gives this low-calorie turkey chili a richer base.
  • Rinse the beans so the chili tastes fresh, not metallic.
  • This healthy chili recipe holds its flavor for days, kind of like my slow cooker red chili when I want a make-ahead option.
  • Lean turkey keeps it a low fat chili while still feeling hearty.

Ladle lifting a serving of low calorie chili with turkey, beans, and corn from a Dutch oven.

Storage and Freezer

This low-calorie turkey chili makes a big pot, so I always plan on leftovers.

  • It keeps in the fridge for about a week and the flavor just gets better.
  • This healthy chili recipe freezes well for up to three months, the same way my pumpkin chili does when I stock the freezer for fall.
  • I like freezing it in single portions so I can grab one for a quick meal.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm it straight from frozen with a little extra time on the stove.

Overhead shot of low fat chili with three kinds of beans, corn, and ground turkey in a white bowl.

FAQs

  • Is this turkey chili good for weight loss?
    It can be. Since it’s high in protein, packed with beans and veggies, and lower in calories than beef chili, it fits into a lighter eating plan. I like portioning it into single servings so it’s ready for quick meals all week.
  • Does low calorie chili taste bland?
    Not this one. Blending whole canned tomatoes makes a richer base, and fresh salsa adds a fresher taste than anything from a jar. With three kinds of beans and a solid spice mix, this low-calorie turkey chili has big flavor.
  • Is this chili good for meal prep?
    Yes. This healthy chili recipe lasts about a week in the fridge and the flavor keeps getting better. I portion it into containers for lunches, and it reheats like it was just made.
  • What should I serve with turkey chili?
    My favorite is to ladle it over a baked potato and serve it with a chopped kale salad, though I’ve also used chili as a topping the way I do with my hot dog chili.

Spoonful of low calorie turkey chili with beans, corn, and green onion in a white bowl.

More Chili Recipes

If you love a good chili recipe, here are a couple more to try:

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

low calorie chili recipe
Print Recipe
5 from 25 votes

Low Calorie Turkey Chili

This low calorie turkey chili is a healthy chili recipe made with lean ground turkey, beans, and spice. A lighter chili that still tastes hearty, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: healthy chili recipe, healthy turkey chili, low calorie chili, low calorie chili recipe, Low Calorie Turkey Chili, low fat chili recipe, Turkey Chili (Low Calorie)
Servings: 12 bowls
Calories: 265kcal
Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour the canned whole tomatoes into a blender and puree until smooth. Set aside.
    2 (28 oz / 794 g each) cans whole peeled tomatoes*
  • Spray the bottom of a large 7-quart Dutch oven with cooking spray. Sauté the onions over medium-high heat for about five minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne, mixing thoroughly with the turkey. Finally, add the garlic and sauté for one more minute.
    cooking spray, 1 large yellow onion, 2 lbs (907 g) ground turkey (93% lean), 2 tbsps (14 g) chili powder , 1 tsp (3 g) ground cumin, 1 tsp (1 g) ground oregano, 1 tsp (2 tsp) finely ground black pepper, ½ tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper , 1 tbsp (9 g) finely minced garlic
  • Add the pureed tomatoes, fresh salsa, chicken broth, all the beans, corn, and salt to the turkey mixture. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for 30 minutes.
    1 (24 oz / 680 g) container fresh salsa (not pico de gallo and not jarred salsa), 1 (14.5 oz 411 g) can low sodium chicken broth, 2 (15 oz / 425 g each) cans black beans, 2 (16 oz / 454 g each) cans pinto beans, 1 (16 oz / 454 g) can red kidney beans , 1 (15.25 oz / 432 g) can corn , 2 tsps (12 g) table salt
  • Garnish each bowl with low-fat cheese and green onion, if desired.
    garnish each bowl with low-fat cheese and green onion

Notes

  • *Starting with whole canned tomatoes is a must as they're canned at a much riper stage than those used for tomato sauce. You'll always get the best flavor when you start with them.
  • Fresh salsa is usually found in the refrigerated produce section of your grocery store. A medium-heat option with jalapenos, onion, and garlic works best. The container might be labeled as "restaurant salsa," but avoid using pico de gallo for this recipe.
  • A 7-quart Dutch oven (6.6 L) is the best size for this recipe since it makes a full pot.
  • The chili will thicken as it sits. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if you like it looser.
  • My favorite extra add is a jar of sauerkraut. It gives the chili a tangy kick without adding calories.
  • Garnishes can be as simple as low-fat cheese and green onion, but avocado or jalapeño slices work too.
 
If you’re making this low calorie chili, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.
Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.
©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.
 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Low Calorie Turkey Chili
Amount Per Serving (350 g)
Calories 265 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 665mg29%
Potassium 785mg22%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A 800IU16%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 95mg10%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you made this Low Calorie Chili with Ground Turkey? I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment below and let me know.

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Comments

    5 from 25 votes

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  1. Johnnie Williams says

    How much sodium is in this low calorie Turkey Chili? I am developing receipes for my sister who has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She is also diabetic. You also indicate using table salt. As a rule I only cook with kosher salt or sea salt. Is iodine table salt really necessary? I will try the receipe because it sounds appetizing and I can freeze it for my sister.

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      Iodine table salt was not used, both types are available in the store when it comes to table salt. As far as sodium content, I could not give one for this recipe. When you track calories on available apps and include beans, it gives the sodium content for the whole can, including the liquid portion. However, since all beans in this recipe are rinsed and drained, I’m unable to provide what the actual sodium content would be, therefore it is not here. By the taste of the recipe, before adding salt, I can say it had a zero, salty taste. You may add any type of salt you choose based on your taste or needs.

      Reply

  7. Beth says

    5 stars
    Cathy, Love your recipes and this one is on the stove right now simmering and smells delicious! I wanted to let you know you left out when to add the pureed tomatoes. I added them when I added the beans, etc in step 3 but some may not be sure when to add. Thought I better let you know.

    Reply

  11. Laura Kinzel says

    5 stars
    Great recipe (must admit I modified to suit personal preferences)! Added extra veggies (bell pepper, more onion, celery, some carrot) to boost volume with fewer cals. Left fire-roasted diced tomatoes as is rather than pureeing (yep, a little lazy, and I like to chew ;-)). Used reduced sodium broth (Trader Joe’s) and rinsed beans well (research evidence indicates rinsing lowers sodium by ~40%). Left out salt altogether due to my high BP. Still, plenty of flavor from the tasty seasonings. Thanks!

    Reply

  15. Christine says

    5 stars
    This was the bomb! Spur of the moment, I had everything on hand except the fresh salsa so I substituted a can of Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles. Easy and so good! Next time I will plan ahead as I’m curious about using the fresh salsa. Thank you :))))

    Reply

  16. Melissa Mcneely says

    5 stars
    I’m not a big chili person but I was really looking forward to making this and it did not disappoint really really good.looking forward to making it again!

    Reply

  23. Liv says

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! I just wanted to ask, I put in all of the ingredients into an app and the calories came out as 405 calories. I used great value everything aside from the ground turkey. It was the Honeysuckle White 85% lean ground turkey. Even the fresh salsa was the 24 oz mild great value. Just wondering if your ingredients were similar and maybe my app is wrong?

    Reply

    • Cathy Pollak says

      It’s definitely the turkey and possibly the beans. I always use 93% lean turkey. Also the beans. The nutrition information on a can of beans is for the beans + the liquid. If you measure out the serving size of 1/2 cup of beans + liquid, it will weigh around 130 grams. After you drain the liquid, the 1/2 cup of drained beans will only weigh around 80 grams (in my experience – varies a bit between different types/sizes of bean). This can really heighten your calories if you don’t account for it that way. Not sure if you did. If you did, then it’s likely the turkey your using. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  24. Jane says

    5 stars
    I used only one can of pinto and black beans and two cans of chili kidney beans. I also left out corn.(I didn’t have these things on hand.) It turned out great! It makes a huge amount!

    Reply

  25. Izzy says

    5 stars
    This recipe was a lifesaver for my household! I am not a fan of corn so opted for Jalapeños and sliced red peppers. Even with that little change up, the flavor profile of the chili was amazing. Thank you so much for making the recipe easy to follow and even providing nutritional facts.

    Reply

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