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  • Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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    Home » Crock Pot Recipes

    Tailgating Recipe - Healthier Chili

    Published: May 31, 2013 · Modified: Aug 2, 2022 by Vicky · This post contains affiliate links.

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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.

    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.

    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

    Tailgating Chili

    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.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Crock Pot Meal
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 188kcal
    Author: Vicky

    Equipment

    • Crock Pot

    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: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1347IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 1mg
    Try this Recipe! Pin it for Later.Mention @vickycat or tag #messforless!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melissa

      June 09, 2013 at 1:54 am

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

    2. Someday I'll Learn

      June 05, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      This looks SO good! I love turkey chili.

    3. The Mommy-Files

      June 03, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      Sounds like an amazing chili! Thanks for sharing!

    4. Kathy

      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!

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    Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

    Easter Activities and Recipes

    • Stained Glass Easter Cookie Recipe
    • How to Make Spotted Easter Eggs
    • M&M Easter Cookies
    • Shaving Cream Easter Eggs

    Spring Activities

    • How to Make a Mother's Day Card
    • DIY Seed Starter for Kids
    • Flower Craft Idea
    • How to Make a Paper Butterfly - Easy Craft for Kids

    Popular Recipes

    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • Overnight Egg Casserole
    • Toasted Italian Sandwich - Food Fun Friday
    • Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

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