Slow-Cooker "Campfire" Turkey Chili

There is nothing better than a meal that is hearty, warming, and packed with the nutrients needed for recovery after a long day of training. This "Campfire" Turkey Chili is a staple for busy weeks because it’s a true "set it and forget it" masterpiece. You can prep this in 10 minutes, let it simmer all day, and come home to a high-protein dinner that tastes even better as leftovers.

The Ingredient Breakdown

• The Protein (1.5 lbs Lean Ground Turkey or Bison): Turkey is a fantastic lean source of leucine, the amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis. Bison is a great alternative if you want a richer flavor with extra iron.

• The Complex Carbs (Black & Kidney Beans): These provide a "slow-burn" energy source and are packed with fiber to keep your digestion on track and your hunger levels stable.

• The Volume (Diced Tomatoes & Bell Peppers): Loading up on veggies adds bulk to the meal without spiking the calories, keeping you full for hours.

• The Secret Swap: Skip the sour cream. Use a dollop of Plain Greek Yogurt. It has the same tang and creamy texture but adds an extra 5–8g of protein to your bowl.

Preparation Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey or bison with a chopped onion until browned.

2. Dump and Go: Add the meat to your slow cooker along with 2 cans of beans (rinsed), 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 small can of diced green chiles, and 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth.

3. Season: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, and a pinch of salt/pepper.

4. Cook: Set to Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

5. Serve: Top with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of green onions.

These calculations are based on using 93% Lean Ground Turkey and standard 15oz cans of beans. If you choose Bison, the fat content will be slightly higher, and the iron count will increase!

Nutrition Per Serving

(Yields approximately 6 generous servings)

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	315 kcal
Protein	32g
Total Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	9g
Net Carbs	19g
Total Fat	8g

Elizabeth’s Pro-Tips for Your Goals:

• To Increase Protein: Adding that 2 tbsp dollop of Non-Fat Greek Yogurt on top adds an extra 3g of protein and only 15 calories.

• To Lower Carbs: You can swap one can of beans for an extra bag of frozen cauliflower rice or diced zucchini. It keeps the volume high but drops the carb count significantly.

• Meal Prep Tip: This recipe freezes beautifully! I recommend doubling the batch and freezing half in individual glass containers for those nights when you're too tired to cook.