Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious dish that delivers both flavor and comfort, sweet potato turkey chili is a fantastic choice. With its rich and savory broth, tender turkey, and sweet, creamy chunks of sweet potato, this dish is a truly wonderful experience for all the senses. The delightful blend of spices, combined with the robust texture and enticing aroma, will make it an instant favorite for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, ensuring you enjoy a healthy meal that keeps you satisfied. You may also find Hearty Turkey Chili Easy High Protein Dinner useful.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 1 hour. The dish generously serves up to 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. You may also find Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes Crispy Outside Tender Inside useful.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sweet potato turkey chili: You may also find Roasted Chicken Rice Bowls Sweet Potatoes useful.
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You may also find Roasted Sweet Potato And Kale Salad useful.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Once the turkey is cooked through, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the sweet potatoes are submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Touches: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as necessary. Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, your chili is ready to serve.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with fresh cilantro. Enjoy it with your favorite bread or toppings!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Russet or Garnet Sweet Potatoes: Opt for garnet sweet potatoes for a creamier texture, but russets work well too if you prefer a firmer bite.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste. For a milder chili, use less, or experiment with adding cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Add More Veggies: Consider adding vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrients and color.
- Customize Your Beans: If kidney beans aren’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with black beans or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.
- Cook It Low and Slow: For an even deeper flavor, allow the chili to simmer longer on low heat after it has come to a boil.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking for healthier options, you could swap out ground turkey for lean ground chicken or plant-based ground meat alternatives. To make this chili vegetarian or vegan, simply use vegetable broth and replace the meat with additional beans or lentils.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it looks too thick, as this chili can thicken up as it cools.
FAQ
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? Yes! Simply brown the turkey and sauté the aromatics, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Is this chili spicy? The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Use less chili powder for a milder taste, or add jalapeños for added heat.
3. Can I omit the beans? Absolutely, you can skip the beans altogether if preferred, but they add great texture and nutrition.
4. How can I make this chili thicker? You can mash some of the sweet potatoes with a fork to thicken the sauce, or simply let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Nutrition Estimate
This sweet potato turkey chili is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving provides approximately 350 calories, with around 25 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fat, thanks to the wholesome ingredients used.
Conclusion
Sweet potato turkey chili is a wholesome, satisfying dish that checks all the boxes for a great meal. For more ideas on similar recipes, check out these savory turkey chilis and explore this no-bean variation for a different twist. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the turkey is cooked through, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the sweet potatoes are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as necessary. Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, your chili is ready to serve.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with fresh cilantro. Enjoy it with your favorite bread or toppings!