The Best No Bean Low Carb Turkey Chili

This low carb chili recipe is the very best! It’s loaded with ground turkey, tomatoes, green chiles, garlic, onion, and lots of seasonings. So hearty and easy to make! Ready in only 30 minutes!

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been republished with all new photos.

It’s no secret that I think chili is the ultimate comfort food. I just can’t imagine a more comforting meal than a bowl of chili on a chilly evening at home. It’s a great way to feed the entire family with very little effort. This keto-friendly chili is such an easy recipe! Plus it’s fast and you can make it using the stove top, slow cooker, or instant pot.

We’re making this thick chili without beans so you can enjoy it while on a keto diet, on a low carb diet, or if you’re just serving this to someone who doesn’t enjoy beans (like my son). It’s important to me that this version tastes like a traditional chili recipe even though it doesn’t include beans. Good news! It does! You’ll get all the chili flavor you want even without the beans. I’m confident you’ll agree this is the best keto chili and even the best chili recipe. This is the chili that I make in my home and my whole family approves.

If you have the same passionate chili feelings as I do (I’m a little bit obsessed) then you’ll want to check out the other chili recipes on my website. Want to use chicken? I have a Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili for you. Prefer to use ground beef? Have a look at my No Bean 30 Minute Chili. Interested in a meat free option? My Easy Vegan Bean Chili has the flavor of classic chili without the meat. I even have a Spicy Chipotle Chicken Chili for those wanting a non traditional chili with some heat. Take your pick of what sounds best to you.

No Bean Low Carb Turkey Chili Ingredients

• Olive oil or avocado oil: The oil helps us sauté the onion and bell pepper until tender. I recommend extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil but you can use any oil you’re comfortable cooking with.
• Lean ground turkey: I use lean ground turkey in this chili. You can also use ground beef if you like or try my No Bean 30 Minute Chili instead. That recipe is tested for ground beef and the seasonings have been adjusted to account for the difference in flavor.
• Green bell pepper: Green bell peppers are the most popular of the bell peppers. They have a slightly bitter taste and aren’t as sweet as red or orange bell peppers.
• Onion: White onion, yellow onion, or red onion all work well.
• Canned diced tomatoes: I recommend fire-roasted diced tomatoes if it’s available in your grocery store.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste packs a lot of concentrated tomato flavor.
• Chicken stock or broth: Both chicken stock and chicken broth can be used in this healthy turkey chili recipe. Stock is typically made by simmering the bones for hours. Broth is made by simmering the meat instead of only the bones.
• Minced garlic: You can mince your own garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Canned chopped green chiles: The diced green chiles add some heat to this dish but it remains fairly mild overall.
• Seasonings: We’re using plenty of spices to beautifully flavor this beanless chili recipe. This seasoning blend is what makes this chili standout from other chili options. The seasonings include chili powder, dried oregano, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make No Bean Turkey Chili

My original low carb chili recipe, No Bean 30 Minute Chili, is dang delicious. In fact it’s the most popular recipe on my website! I know many of you already make it with ground turkey instead of beef and that’s great! If it’s your favorite stick with it! But I wanted to make a version that was specially designed for ground turkey. This one has more seasoning and a can of green chiles to really make that ground turkey work splendidly. I know you’re going to be oh so happy with the end result!

You’ll start by sautéing onion, bell pepper, and garlic on medium-high heat. Then brown your ground turkey. Once done, add in all remaining ingredients and let it simmer on medium heat to medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with fun toppings like a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese. You’ll find many more

The combination of garlic, onion, green chiles, and lots of seasoning give this chili a rich spicy flavor. We can’t get enough of it!

Can you add beans?

Well of course you can. This was created to be a low carb turkey chili but if you want beans, add beans! Two cans of red kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans (drained and rinsed) will do the trick.

Can you use ground beef or ground chicken instead of turkey?

Sure! Go right ahead! However, I do have a ground beef chili recipe too. You might prefer my No Bean 30 Minute Chili if that’s your protein choice instead.

Favorite Chili Toppings

I love loading up my ground turkey chili with all kinds of toppings! Whether you’re enjoying this on a busy weeknight or a game day, the fun toppings add to the overall chili experience! If you’re entertaining guests I suggest creating a chili bar with an assortment of options. Here are some favorite toppings I suggest to dress up your bowl of chili.

• Sliced avocado
• Chopped green onions
• Diced red onion
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeno
• Hot sauce
• Frito chips
• Tortilla chips
• Salty kettle chips
• Homemade Croutons

How to Make Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker

While this turkey chili was originally designed to be made on the stove top, you can easily turn it into a slow cooker turkey chili. Simply brown your ground turkey, onion, and pepper on the stovetop. Then add all your ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.

How to Make Turkey Chili in the Instant Pot

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. When it’s hot, add your ground turkey. Use a spatula to crumble the turkey. Then add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until turkey is browned and onion is tender, stirring frequently. Once done press the cancel button to stop sautéing.

Now add the rest of the ingredients. Everything goes in!

Seal the Instant Pot. Set it to Pressure Cook (or Manual, depending on the model Instant Pot you have) on high pressure for 15 minutes.

Once cooking is complete, natural release pressure for at least 10 minutes.

Can you freeze leftover turkey chili?

This chili freezes, thaws, and reheats beautifully. In fact its one of my favorite freezer meals. Let the chili cool and then store in a freezer safe container. I like freezer bags because then the chili can lay flat to occupy less space in the freezer. To reheat, just add it to a pot on the stove over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can also reheat in the microwave after thawing. Feel free to double this recipe so you have plenty to freeze.

How to Store Leftover Turkey Chili

Want to enjoy this homemade turkey chili the next day or later in the week? It’s such a great option for meal prep. Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

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