Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The balance of lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes and a perfectly spiced seasoning blend makes it hearty without being heavy, which is exactly what I look for when comfort food meets healthy eating. Whether you’re cozying up on a weekend or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

When I first tried this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe, I was blown away by how the sweet potatoes added this subtle sweetness that contrasted beautifully with the smoky and spicy chili base. You’ll find that it’s super easy to make in a slow cooker, allowing flavors to develop slowly while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for busy nights or when you just want something nourishing and delicious.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe brings together wholesome ingredients that complement each other perfectly. When shopping, look for fresh sweet potatoes and lean turkey to maximize flavor and nutrition.

• Chili powder: The smoky foundation of your seasoning blend, pick a quality one for depth.
• Ground cumin: Adds that earthy warmth, essential in any great chili.
• Salt: Enhances all those savory flavors perfectly.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor without needing a grill.
• Black pepper: A little spice heat to brighten it up.
• Garlic powder: Convenient way to infuse bold garlic flavor.
• Dried oregano: Adds an herbal freshness that rounds out the spices.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For browning the turkey and adding richness.
• Ground turkey (92–97% lean): Lean enough to keep it healthy but juicy enough to stay tender.
• Petite diced tomatoes: Adds texture and mild sweetness; draining avoids excess liquid.
• Tomato sauce: Adds body and tanginess.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor, perfect for chili.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Helps everything meld together and adds savoriness without too much sodium.
• Sweet potato: Peeled and diced for perfect bite-sized touches of sweetness.
• Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth.
• Green bell pepper: Crunchy and colorful, it brightens the pot.
• Corn (canned or frozen): A nice burst of sweetness and texture contrast.
• Kidney beans: Great for protein and that classic chili feel; rinsed to reduce sodium and starch.
• Jalapeño: Adds just the right amount of heat; you control spiciness by removing seeds.

Variations

I love that this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is like a blank canvas. You can easily swap ingredients or tweak spice levels to suit your family’s taste or whatever you have on hand in the pantry.

• Make it vegetarian: Replace turkey with hearty beans like black beans and add extra veggies such as zucchini or mushrooms for bulk.
• Adjust the heat: Use more or less jalapeño, or swap it for smoked chipotle powder if you prefer smoky heat.
• Bulk it up: Throw in quinoa or farro near the end of cooking for added texture and nutrition.
• Vegan version: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Slow cooker vs stovetop: If you’re short on time, you can simmer it on the stove for about an hour — just keep an eye on the liquid levels so it doesn’t dry out.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Seasoning Blend

Start by mixing all your spices—chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano—in a small bowl. I always whisk them well to avoid clumps. This blend really elevates the chili by layering warm and smoky flavors right from the start.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. After about 4 minutes, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend. Keep stirring and breaking up the meat for another 4 to 5 minutes until it’s fully cooked and starting to brown nicely. This step builds great flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Combine Everything in Your Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked turkey to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, diced sweet potato, onions, bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, jalapeño, and the rest of your seasoning blend. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious ingredients.

Step 4: Let It Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours or on high for around 4 hours. The longer it simmers on low, the richer and more melded the flavors become. The sweet potatoes will be tender, and the chili will have that perfect thick, stew-like consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give everything a gentle stir before serving. You’ll want to spoon it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes — I’m all about fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to cool off the heat. Avocado slices add creaminess and a lovely freshness too.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal note. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, and sour cream adds a cooling creaminess that contrasts nicely with the spices. Avocado slices are my secret weapon—they make every bite lush and smooth.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple and satisfying, I like serving this chili with a side of warm cornbread or tortilla chips for some crunch. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also pair well, balancing out the rich flavors of the chili.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at family dinners, I’ve served this chili over baked sweet potatoes or inside warm baked bread bowls. It turns the meal into a cozy, shareable experience. You can also assemble chili bar toppings so everyone can customize their bowls with cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to one week. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have a chance to meld completely.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully, which makes it great for batch cooking. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and usually freeze up to three months. Just be sure to cool it thoroughly before freezing to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming my chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen it up without losing that rich flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe has become one of my most trusted dishes when I want something flavorful, healthy, and fuss-free. I love knowing that I’m feeding my family something nourishing that comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on taste. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how it warms your soul and fills your kitchen with cozy aromas. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection, just like it did in mine.

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