Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

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Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes. 

 

Introduction

 

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of chili on a cool day—warm, hearty, and full of flavor. For me, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, no matter how busy life gets.

I first made this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe one autumn evening when I was craving something cozy but wanted to keep it healthy. I didn’t have ground beef on hand, but I did have ground turkey and a few sweet potatoes sitting in the pantry. I threw everything into a pot with some spices, beans, and tomatoes—and what came out was absolute magic.

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe quickly became a weeknight staple in my house. It’s loaded with lean protein, fiber, and nutrients—but it tastes indulgent and comforting. It’s also one of those meals that gets even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a game day crowd, or meal prepping for the week, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is a cozy, nourishing dish you’ll want to make again and again.

 

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Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe (2025)

 

Ingredients for Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

 

You’ll find most of these ingredients already in your pantry. Each component plays a role in building depth and balance in flavor.

 

Main Ingredients:

 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

 

Seasonings:

 

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but adds warmth)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

 

Optional Add-ins and Garnishes:

 

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Diced avocado
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • Lime wedges
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Pro Tip: Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and bright orange — they hold their texture well during simmering.

 

Equipment You’ll Need

 

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

That’s it—this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is truly a one-pot recipe!

 

How to Prepare Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

 

Now let’s walk through this simple, flavor-packed process step by step.

 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

The kitchen will already smell amazing at this point—that’s how you know you’re on the right track!

 

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

 

  1. Add the ground turkey to the pot.
  2. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink — about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Browning the turkey adds richness and builds a flavorful base for the chili.

 

Step 3: Add the Spices

 

  1. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cinnamon (if using).
  2. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices.
  3. Let it cook for about a minute to release the aromatics.

This is a key flavor step — toasting the spices deepens the flavor and gives that signature chili aroma.

 

Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes

 

  1. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  2. Pour in the broth and stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.

 

Step 5: Add Beans and Simmer

 

  1. Add the black beans and kidney beans.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

As the chili simmers, the sweet potatoes become tender, the sauce thickens, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Tip: If the chili becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water.

 

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

 

  1. Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, taste and adjust the seasoning.
  2. Add salt, pepper, or extra chili powder as needed.
  3. For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk.

 

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

 

Ladle your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes — avocado, cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

Serve warm with tortilla chips, cornbread, or over rice for a heartier meal.

 

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

 

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is a full meal on its own, but you can dress it up or stretch it out with sides and toppings.

 

Serving Ideas:

 

  • With bread: Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or garlic toast.
  • Over grains: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or farro for extra texture.
  • As a topping: Spoon over baked potatoes or roasted spaghetti squash.
  • In a bowl bar: Set up a chili bar with toppings like cheese, avocado, lime, jalapeños, and tortilla chips for family dinners or parties.

Pro Tip: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen overnight.

 

Tips for the Best Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

 

  1. Use fire-roasted tomatoes: They add a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the chili.
  2. Cut sweet potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook through without turning mushy.
  3. Adjust heat to taste: Add cayenne or diced jalapeños if you like it spicy.
  4. Thicken naturally: Let it simmer uncovered at the end if you prefer a thicker consistency.
  5. Balance flavors: A squeeze of lime or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the dish.
  6. Meal prep tip: Store in individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

 

Variations 

 

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is wonderfully adaptable — try these creative twists to make it your own:

 

1. Vegetarian or Vegan Version

 

Skip the turkey and add extra beans or lentils for a plant-based protein boost. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

 

2. Creamy Version

 

Stir in a little cream cheese, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier chili.

 

3. Spicy Kick

 

Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or extra cayenne for bold heat.

 

4. Extra Veggie Boost

 

Add corn, zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrients and texture.

 

5. Slow Cooker Method

 

Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

 

6. Instant Pot Method

 

Use the sauté function for the aromatics and turkey, then pressure cook on high for 12 minutes, followed by a natural release.

 

7. Smoky BBQ Twist

 

Add 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce or liquid smoke for a southern-inspired flavor.

 

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

 

To Store:

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

 

To Freeze:

  • Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.

 

To Reheat:

  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
  • Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Meal Prep Tip: Divide into single-serving portions before freezing for quick grab-and-go lunches.

 

FAQs

 

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

 

Yes! Ground chicken works just as well — just be sure to season generously for flavor.

 

2. Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

 

You don’t have to — the skin is nutritious and softens when cooked. Just wash them well.

 

3. Can I make this without beans?

 

Yes, you can skip the beans if you prefer and add extra sweet potatoes or corn instead.

 

4. How do I make it thicker?

 

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or mash a few sweet potato chunks to naturally thicken the chili.

 

5. How can I make it creamier?

 

Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or coconut milk just before serving.

 

6. Is this chili spicy?

 

It has a mild warmth, but you can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder and cayenne.

 

7. Can I double the recipe?

 

Absolutely—this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is a great dish for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Just make sure your pot is large enough.

 

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

 

(Serves 6)

  • Calories: 360
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition values vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

 

Final Thoughts

 

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is the kind of meal that checks every box—hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of lean turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, and bold spices makes it nourishing and satisfying without feeling heavy.

It’s one of those dishes that can easily adapt to your mood or pantry—make it spicy, make it creamy, or load it up with extra veggies. And the best part? It’s a true one-pot wonder that tastes even better the next day.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a casual dinner, or just craving a cozy bowl of comfort, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Serve it with your favorite toppings and a slice of cornbread for the ultimate comforting meal.

So grab your pot, chop those sweet potatoes, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite healthy Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe.

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