🍲 Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe – A Cozy Dinner Favorite
If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and a little healthier than the usual beef chili, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is exactly what you need. It’s a simple one-pot meal that balances lean protein, sweet notes from the potato, and that classic smoky chili flavor. Honestly, I think it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual weekend dinner.
🕒 Time & Servings
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 40 mins | 55 mins | 6 bowls |
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need. I’ve kept it straightforward, but feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey (lean) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Sweet potatoes, peeled & diced | 2 medium |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Bell pepper (red or green), chopped | 1 |
| Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 1 (28 oz) can |
| Black beans, rinsed | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Kidney beans, rinsed | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Chicken broth (or water) | 2 cups |
| Chili powder | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tbsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro (optional) | For garnish |
| Lime wedges | For serving |
👩🍳 How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
- Sauté the base – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the turkey – Stir in ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s cooked through.
- Season it up – Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it toast for a minute to bring out the flavors.
- Build the chili – Toss in sweet potatoes, beans, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir well.
- Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili thickens.
- Finish & serve – Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
🍴 Recipe Notes
- For extra spice, add chipotle peppers in adobo or a diced jalapeño.
- If the chili gets too thick, just splash in more broth.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and high in protein.
- You can swap ground turkey with ground chicken if that’s what you have.
🥣 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it feels too thick.
🥦 Nutrition Breakdown (per serving, approx.)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 26g | 38g | 8g | 10g |
[cal_calc]
💡 Extra Tips to Make It Perfect
- Roast the sweet potatoes before adding them for a deeper caramelized flavor.
- Add corn kernels for a pop of sweetness.
- Top each bowl with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
🍽️ How to Serve
This chili is hearty enough to be served alone, but you can pair it with:
- Warm cornbread or crusty bread.
- A fresh green salad on the side.
- Tortilla chips for dipping.
For a complete meal, serve this chili alongside some savory cabbage rolls with ground beef.
🔧 Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
🌿 Health Benefits
- Lean protein from turkey keeps it lighter than traditional beef chili.
- Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamin A, and natural sweetness.
- Beans add plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy nutrients.
- Overall, it’s a filling but wholesome dinner option that fits into a balanced diet.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey and onions first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Q2: Can I meal-prep this recipe?
Definitely. It tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners.
Q3: What’s the best way to thicken chili naturally?
Letting it simmer uncovered will naturally thicken it. You can also mash a few beans into the pot.
Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure, just skip the turkey and add more beans or lentils for protein.
Q5: What toppings work best with this chili?
Cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime, or even crushed tortilla chips.
✨ Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of chili simmering away on the stove. This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili manages to be comforting without feeling heavy, which I personally love. It’s flexible, easy enough for weeknights, and hearty enough to impress friends or family. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the pot or pull it from the freezer weeks later, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in rotation.
