I love making Turkey Sweet Potato Chili when I want something hearty, nourishing, and full of bold flavor. The lean turkey keeps it satisfying, while the sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky spices perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s comforting without feeling too heavy. The combination of protein-rich turkey, fiber-packed sweet potatoes, and warming spices creates a balanced meal that fills me up and tastes even better the next day. I also enjoy how easy it is to make in one pot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground turkey
olive oil
onion
garlic
sweet potatoes
bell pepper
black beans or kidney beans
crushed tomatoes
tomato paste
chicken broth
chili powder
ground cumin
smoked paprika
salt
black pepper
lime juice
optional toppings
avocado
fresh cilantro
Greek yogurt or sour cream
shredded cheese
Directions
I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.
I add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. I season with salt and black pepper.
I stir in the diced sweet potatoes and bell pepper, then add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. I let the spices toast briefly to deepen their flavor.
I add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and beans. I bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili thickens.
I finish with a squeeze of lime juice and adjust seasoning before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 6 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add corn for extra sweetness and texture. When I want more heat, I stir in diced jalapeños or extra chili powder. I also enjoy making it in the slow cooker by cooking it on low for 6 to 7 hours.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm the chili gently on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
I brown the turkey first, then cook everything on low for several hours until tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
I find it moderately spiced, but I adjust the chili powder to control the heat.
Can I use ground beef instead?
I sometimes substitute ground beef for a richer flavor.
How do I thicken the chili?
I mash a few sweet potato cubes or beans directly in the pot to naturally thicken it.
What should I serve with this chili?
I like serving it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.
Conclusion
I keep Turkey Sweet Potato Chili in my meal rotation because it’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Every time I make it, I appreciate how the sweet potatoes and spices create a comforting bowl that’s perfect for any season.
Print
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and nourishing one-pot chili made with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, beans, and smoky spices. This balanced and comforting meal is packed with protein and bold flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in diced sweet potatoes and bell pepper. Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat and toast the spices for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and beans. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened.
- Stir in fresh lime juice, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- Add 1 cup of corn for extra sweetness and texture.
- For more heat, add diced jalapeños or additional chili powder.
- To make in a slow cooker, brown the turkey first, then cook everything on low for 6 to 7 hours.
- Mash a few sweet potato cubes or beans to naturally thicken the chili.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
