If you’ve been searching for a comforting and vibrant meal that warms the soul and excites your taste buds, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining lean ground turkey with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, savory spices, and hearty beans, this chili is a balanced, colorful dish that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, friendly gatherings, or anytime you want a wholesome, flavorful bowl of goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component is essential for building layers of flavor and achieving the perfect mix of textures and colors, making your chili truly outstanding.
- Avocado oil: A healthy oil with a high smoke point that helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
- White onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when finely diced and cooked until tender.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses your chili with a fragrant, savory punch.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-rich, it offers a light but flavorful base for the chili.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed, they bring a natural sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with spices.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide a bright, acidic balance and rich tomato body that’s essential in chili.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory background, ensuring the chili simmers with rich flavor.
- Chili powder: The heart of the seasoning, creating that unmistakable chili flavor.
- Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy undertone that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Cinnamon: Just a hint for surprising warmth and depth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Gives an optional spicy kick if you like your chili a little fiery.
- Salt and black pepper: Fundamental for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.
- Corn: Drained canned corn adds bursts of sweetness and texture.
- Black beans: Drained and rinsed, these protein-packed beans add heartiness and creaminess.
- Sour cream (optional): For a cool, creamy topping to contrast the rich chili.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note when chopped and sprinkled on top.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced white onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and tender. Follow with the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell its amazing aroma – this sets a wonderful flavor foundation.
Step 2: Cook the ground turkey
Push the cooked onions and garlic to one side, then add the ground turkey. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks for 7 to 8 minutes. You want the turkey fully browned and no longer pink, which ensures the chili will develop rich, meaty flavors. Then, stir in the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to start softening them.
Step 3: Add seasonings, broth, and tomatoes
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to create a luscious base. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it, along with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, then turn the heat up to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes so flavors can blend and the sweet potatoes become tender.
Step 4: Incorporate corn and beans
After the initial simmer, stir in the drained corn and rinsed black beans. Cover again and continue to simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If you prefer a thicker chili, gently mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot to release their natural starches, creating a hearty texture.
Step 5: Final touches
Your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is now ready for the finishing touches. Consider topping it with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to brighten every bite. These simple additions make the chili feel special and bring extra layers of flavor.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is where you can truly make it your own. A swirl of sour cream cools the spices and creates a rich contrast, while fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous pop that wakes up every spoonful. For an added crunch, try tortilla chips or a sprinkle of shredded cheese; both pair wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This chili is filling on its own but shines even more when paired with the right sides. Cornbread, especially when warm and buttery, complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly. A crisp green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint, and a simple avocado salad can add creamy richness that balances the spiced chili beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe in individual bread bowls or over a bed of fluffy rice for a fun twist. You can also turn it into a chili-topped baked potato, loading each potato with a generous scoop of chili and fresh toppings. These presentations elevate the dish and delight your guests visually as well as on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent drying. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
This chili is also freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days. Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its taste or texture, giving you delicious home-cooked meals on demand.
Reheating
When reheating, use low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to reheat evenly and keep the texture just right. If reheating from frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge first for the best results. A splash of broth or water may be added if the chili becomes too thick during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in the Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps this chili light and lean, you can easily swap in ground chicken, beef, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Adjust cook times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and flavorful.
Is the cinnamon really necessary in the chili?
Yes, it’s a small but impactful addition. The cinnamon adds warmth and complexity, subtly enhancing the chili’s depth without making it taste sweet. However, it’s optional if you prefer to keep the flavors more traditional.
Can this chili be made in a slow cooker?
Definitely! To make it slow cooker-friendly, brown the turkey and sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Add corn and beans during the last 30 minutes to avoid them getting too soft.
How spicy is this chili?
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chili powder and paprika. The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted or omitted to suit your heat preference, making it accessible to all palates.
What can I serve this chili with for a low-carb option?
If you’re aiming for a low-carb meal, serve this chili over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed greens instead of bread or grains. The natural sweetness and heartiness of the sweet potatoes keep the dish satisfying without extra carbs.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to make yet packed with wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or trying something new, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.
Print
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Chili combines lean ground turkey with nutritious sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn simmered in a rich tomato and spice base. Perfect for a cozy meal, this chili is flavorful, filling, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal dish for a comforting dinner any time of year.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 15.25-ounce can corn, drained
- 1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- â…› teaspoon cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook onion and garlic: Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey: Push the onion and garlic to the side of the pot. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking apart the meat with a spoon, for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. Then add the cubed sweet potatoes, stir, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in seasonings, broth, and tomatoes: Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add corn and black beans: Stir in the drained corn and rinsed black beans. Cover again and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. For a thicker texture, mash some of the sweet potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, topped with optional sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper amount or add chopped jalapeños.
- This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it also freezes nicely.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute turkey with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on dietary preferences.
