Instant Pot Turkey Chili

One of my favorite things to use my Instant Pot for is chili. The combination of the saute function and the pressure cooking allows for the same great flavors that simmering on a stovetop takes hours to accomplish. Plus, if you follow Weight Watchers, this chili is only 1 Freestyle SmartPoint! So it’s delicious and guilt free.

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground turkey breast

1 chopped yellow onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cups regular chicken broth

2 10 oz. cans of Rotel fire roasted diced tomatoes and green chiles

1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Shredded cheese and sour cream for topping (optional)

Directions

  1. Push the saute button on your Instant Pot. Heat olive oil and stir in chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
  2. Add in ground turkey breast, stirring frequently until all fully browned and broken up. Click the “cancel” button and add in garlic.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot (this is important to avoid a “burn” message during pressure cooking!).
  4. This next step is also important to avoid the “burn” notice: Layer the Rotel fire roasted tomatoes and beans on top of the meat mixture and DO NOT STIR IN!!
  5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes. Note: It will take longer than 12 minutes because the pressure needs build first.
  6. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes (your pot should read LO:10).
  7. After 10 minutes, do a quick release of the pressure (be careful not to burn yourself, use an oven mitt or dish towel).
  8. Once pressure if fully released and the float valve drops, stir the chili and serve with your favorite toppings!

Weight Watchers Freestyle SP: 1 point per serving with no toppings. Points were calculated using the Recipe Builder on the WW app.

Print a copy of this recipe for your recipe binder!


Note: Nutrition information may not be exact. Ingredients were estimated and entered using verywellfit.com’s Nutrition Calculator.

Slow Cooker Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs

Though I am not gluten free, there was a time when I was testing out some gluten free recipes for a friend. This one came out great with the substitution of gluten free breadcrumbs instead of regular or Italian, though I’m sure any way you do it would turn out great! These turkey meatballs are truly a meal prepper’s dream, as they require about 10 minutes of prep time, and then they cook themselves in the slow cooker. I originally got and adapted this recipe from one of my favorite bloggers, Gina from http://www.skinnytaste.com.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey breast

1 egg

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup dried parsley

1/4 cup gluten free (or regular if not making GF) breadcrumbs

1 tsp minced garlic

1 28 oz. can tomato sauce

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey breast, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, parsley, grated parmesan, and garlic (get in there with your hands a bit to mix it in!)
  2. Form small meatballs with your hands, about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. Place in one layer in the slow cooker (depending on size, may make between 18-24 small meatballs).
  3. Cover the meatballs with a can of your favorite tomato sauce.
  4. Set the slow cooker to cook on LOW for 4 hours. Stir meatballs carefully about halfway through to avoid over-browning on one side (optional).
  5. After 4 hours, take out the meatballs and serve them alone or with side of your choice!
Everything ready to mix up!
Ready to get sauced.
Try to evenly coat with sauce.
Now, we wait…

Weight Watchers Freestyle SP: 1 point for one serving of meatballs (about 4 meatballs per serving). Points were calculated using the Recipe Builder on the WW app. **Whatever you serve this with will most likely add more points! For a low point meal option, try serving it with zoodles, zucchini noodles.**

Slow Cooker Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs

  • Servings: 5
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey breast
1 egg
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup dried parsley
1/4 cup gluten free (or regular if not making GF) breadcrumbs
1 tsp minced garlic
1 28 oz. can tomato sauce

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey breast, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, parsley, grated parmesan, and garlic (get in there with your hands a bit to mix it in!)
2. Form small meatballs with your hands, about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. Place in one layer in the slow cooker (depending on size, may make between 18-24 small meatballs).
3. Cover the meatballs with a can of your favorite tomato sauce.
4. Set the slow cooker to cook on LOW for 4 hours. Stir meatballs carefully about halfway through to avoid over-browning on one side (optional).
5. After 4 hours, take out the meatballs and serve them alone or with side of your choice!

Note: Nutrition information may not be exact. Ingredients were estimated and entered using verywellfit.com’s Nutrition Calculator. Calories reflect one serving of dip only.