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    Home » Crock Pot Recipes

    Tailgating Recipe - Healthier Chili

    Modified: May 12, 2025 · Published: May 31, 2013 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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    Is there anything more fun than hanging with family and friends before the game or big race and enjoying some good, but not good-for-you food? Let's face it, tailgating food does not have the best reputation. Since my husband and I have been trying to eat healthier, I was determined to create a healthier chili tailgating recipe. One of my favorite tailgating meals is chili, but I know it's not the healthiest thing you can eat. I decided I could make a few simple swaps to this tailgating recipe to make it a heart healthy recipe. You can use left over chili in this recipe for Chili Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer.

    This tailgating recipe will make you the hit of the lot! Try this healthier chili which has lost some fat and calories, but none of the taste.

    This is one of my favorite Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes. Read on and see why!

    When I got home, I assembled and prepped my ingredients. I decided to modify my traditional chili recipe by substituting Splenda brown sugar blend for brown sugar and 93% lean ground turkey for ground beef.

    Healthy Chili ingredients

    I browned an entire package of ground turkey which was 1.25 pounds. You will want the turkey crumbly, so break it up with a spatula while cooking.

    ground turkey browning in pan

    A crock pot is perfect for preparing tailgating food. You can cook the food at home and transport it to the event, still warm. Plus crock pots just rock in general. You just toss in a few ingredients, then leave and go about you day, and before you know, a hearty meal appears. It's like when you were a kid and you'd go out and play all day and come home to dinner on the table. The crock pot is like the mom of kitchen appliances.

    I got out my crock pot, added some olive oil (good for the heart!), chopped garlic, onion and red and green peppers.

    peppers and tomatoes in a crock pot

    Next, I added the kidney beans, browned ground turkey and my two cans of crushed tomatoes. Finally, the chili spices and brown sugar blend.

    making chili in crock pot

    I stirred it all up, popped on the cover, turned it on and started on the day's chores.

    Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

    You can cook the chili for 4-8 hours depending on the time available. Am I the only one who can't resist peeking in the crock pot when it's cooking? My husband gives me a hard time for disturbing the process and I always get hit with a face full of steam, but I do it anyway. I cooked my chili for 8 hours.

    When it is done cooking, let the chili sit for a few minutes and it will thicken up.

    Healthier Chili

    When I was ready to serve the chili I added a sprinkling of shredded jack and cheddar cheese.

    This healthier chili is perfect for tailgating!

    The chili was delicious and while I ate more than I should have (couldn't resist!) I felt less guilt than I would have had it been my normal chili.

    chili with cheese

    FAQs For Lighter Chili Recipe

    How should I store leftover chili?

    I always keep extra chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s super easy to reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the chili too. Just pop it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag and it’ll last for up to three months. I like to freeze individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner.

    Can I make this chili ahead of time?

    Yes! I actually think chili tastes even better the next day once the flavors have some time to come together. You can make it a day or two in advance and warm it up right before you’re ready to eat.

    What can I serve with chili for a meal?

    My family loves this chili with some shredded cheese on top. Sometimes I’ll add a bit of sour cream or chopped green onions. Cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a baked potato are all fun ideas if you want to make the meal a little bigger. And if you have extra, try using chili as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos!

    📖 Recipe

    Tailgating Chili

    Vicky
    This tailgating recipe will make you the hit of the lot! Try this healthier chili which has lost some fat and calories, but none of the taste.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course Crock Pot Meal
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 188 kcal

    Equipment

    • Crock Pot

    Video

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
    • ½ small red onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 medium red pepper chopped
    • 1 medium green pepper chopped
    • 1.25 lb ground turkey 93% lean
    • 2 cans of crushed tomatoes 28 oz each
    • 1 can of red kidney beans 15 oz
    • 2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of Splenda brown sugar blend
    • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon of cumin
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • ¾ cup Shredded cheddar for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Brown the package of ground turkey on the stove.
    • Add olive oil to crock pot. Then add chopped garlic, onion, red and green peppers.
    • Add red kidney beans, ground turkey, and crushed tomatoes to the ingredients in the crock pot.
    • Add the seasonings and brown sugar blend.
    • Stir the ingredients and cover the crock pot.
    • Turn on and cook on high setting for 4 hours or low setting for 8 hours.
    • When the chili is done cooking, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
    • Sprinkle on some of the shredded cheese before serving.

    Notes

    Prep time: 20 minutes and then 4-8 hours cook time depending on slow cooker settingYield: 8 cups of chili

    Nutrition

    Calories: 188kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 20gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 428mgPotassium: 343mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1347IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword tailgating chili
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Melissa says

      June 09, 2013 at 1:54 am

      This looks great!!! Love turkey chili!!!

      Reply
    2. Someday I'll Learn says

      June 05, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      This looks SO good! I love turkey chili.

      Reply
    3. The Mommy-Files says

      June 03, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      Sounds like an amazing chili! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4. Kathy says

      June 03, 2013 at 5:54 am

      Very sneaky with your brown sugar! That's MY kind of chili!!! Love using the turkey to make it a healthier option!

      Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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