If you’re on the lookout for a supremely satisfying, healthy, and colorful meal that’s just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for meal prepping, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is about to be your new favorite. Packed with lean ground turkey, hearty sweet potatoes, a rainbow of veggies, and a blend of warming spices, this chili brings together the ultimate comfort food vibes while keeping things light. You’ll love how the natural sweetness balances the smoky heat, making every bite of this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili a flavor-packed experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for this chili is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the rich base to the colorful toppings, ensuring the Turkey Sweet Potato Chili comes together with the right blend of protein, fiber, and spice.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onion and garlic for a deeply flavorful base.
- Lean Ground Turkey: The heart of this chili, keeping it filling and high in protein without the heaviness of beef.
- Yellow Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and forms the aromatic foundation that ties everything together.
- Garlic, minced: For irresistible depth and a hint of zing in the background.
- Sweet Potato, peeled and diced: The star veggie, offering natural sweetness and creamy texture with every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper, diced: Adds juicy crunch and a vibrant pop of color to the pot.
- Diced Tomatoes (15 ounces): Tomatoes create a saucy, tangy backbone that melds all the flavors.
- Black Beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed: For extra body, fiber, and a beautiful contrast of hues.
- Kidney Beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed: Another bean favorite, their buttery texture soaks up all the spicy, smoky goodness.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth, 2 cups: Helps everything simmer together and keeps things lighter and heart-healthy.
- Tomato Paste, 2 tablespoons: Punches up the tomato flavor and thickens the chili just right.
- Chili Powder, 1 tablespoon: The essential spice blend for that classic chili taste.
- Ground Cumin, 1 teaspoon: Brings warmth and earthiness to round out the flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a hint of smokiness for depth and that irresistible aroma.
- Cayenne Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon (optional): Gives a gentle kick for heat lovers—use more or less to taste.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor just right.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro, for garnish: Lifts and brightens every serving for the perfect finish.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 minutes, until it turns soft and just starts to release its sweet aroma. Stir in the minced garlic and let that cook for one more minute, making sure it doesn’t burn—garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it! This combination is like a savory magic trick that will form the deeply flavorful base for your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to your pot and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Work in all those toasty onions and garlic! Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through. You want a little color here because those browned bits mean tons of extra flavor in the finished chili.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Beans
Stir in the diced sweet potato and red bell pepper, letting those cook for a minute so they start to soften. Next, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and kidney beans. The beans bring body, extra nutrition, and soak up all the spices beautifully. This is when the pot starts to look wonderfully hearty and colorful!
Step 4: Simmer with Spices and Broth
Add your low-sodium chicken broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you want a bit of heat). Season with salt and pepper, and stir well so everything mingles and melds into glorious chili goodness. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover it, letting it simmer for 25–30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible as the Turkey Sweet Potato Chili bubbles away.
Step 5: Finish and Taste
Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, give your chili a good stir and taste to see if it needs a little more salt or spice. Ladle it into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. Every spoonful is packed with richness, warmth, and just the right touch of sweetness from those sweet potatoes!
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, fresh chopped cilantro elevates every bowl with a burst of color and brightness. If you’re feeling indulgent, scatter on some diced avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream—the creaminess will balance the spices beautifully. Thinly sliced green onions or shredded cheese are wonderful, too, if you like extra toppings.
Side Dishes
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili loves good company! Serve it with warm, crusty bread, corn muffins, or a handful of classic tortilla chips for scooping and crunching. On lighter days, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling your chili over baked sweet potatoes for a playful (and extra hearty) meal. For potlucks, serve it straight from a slow cooker with a toppings bar so everyone can build their own perfect bowl. Or, fill mini bell peppers or small whole grain rolls with chili for an eye-catching appetizer spread that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts about Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is how well it keeps! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making each bowl even better the next day.
Freezing
This chili is a dream for meal prep—just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. For busy weekdays, pull out a portion and let it thaw in the fridge overnight or use your microwave’s defrost function.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat larger portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili has thickened up too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the turkey, onions, and garlic first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. The flavors meld even more, and you barely have to lift a finger.
Is this chili spicy?
It has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and paprika, but it isn’t overly spicy unless you add cayenne or jalapeño. If you’re sensitive to heat, skip the cayenne and use a mild chili powder—easy!
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead?
Yes, you can! Ground chicken offers a similar lightness to turkey, while ground beef will make it richer. Just be sure to drain any excess fat if you use a fattier meat so your chili doesn’t get greasy.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap out the turkey and use extra beans or even lentils, and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. The hearty sweet potatoes and beans will still deliver tons of texture and flavor in your meatless chili version.
What other toppings go well with Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
Get creative with toppings like sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, a squeeze of fresh lime, feta or cotija cheese, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you like things extra bold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a bowl full of color, flavor, nutrition, and ultimate comfort, don’t wait another night to try this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. With its simple prep, amazing leftovers, and perfect balance of spice and sweetness, it’s sure to become a staple on your table. I can’t wait for you to taste just how good homemade chili can be!
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Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a blend of delicious spices, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the vegetables and beans: Stir in the sweet potato and bell pepper, then add the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chicken broth, tomato paste, and spices.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño with the bell pepper.
- This chili freezes well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
