Name: High-Protein Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 pounds lean ground turkey; 1 onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons chili powder labeled gluten-free; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cans diced tomatoes; 1 can tomato sauce; 2 cans beans, rinsed and drained; 1 teaspoon fine salt

Kitchen tested. Prepared and evaluated on Oct. 16, 2026.

The method

4 clear steps.

Brown the turkey.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Cook the turkey and onion until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces.

Bloom the spices.

Add the bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Slow-cook.

Transfer to the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and salt. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Adjust and serve.

Stir well and season to taste. If the chili is loose, cook uncovered on high for 15–20 minutes.

Make it work.

Small details that matter most with gluten-free cooking.

Brown first

Browning develops flavor and keeps the turkey from forming large clumps.

Check the spice blend

Single spices are usually gluten-free, but blends can vary by manufacturer.

Thicken uncovered

A short uncovered finish concentrates the chili without extra starch.