Sweet potato turkey chili has become my absolute go-to for a comforting and nourishing meal. I first discovered how to make sweet potato turkey chili when I was looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chili, and the addition of sweet potatoes was a revelation! The subtle sweetness balances the savory ground turkey and spices perfectly, creating a truly delicious and easy sweet potato turkey chili. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it simmers is just incredible – a blend of earthy spices and a hint of sweetness that makes me so happy. This healthy turkey chili with sweet potato is not only good for you but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
This chili is a winner for so many reasons! It’s packed with flavor and goodness:
- Incredibly delicious with a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- So quick to prepare, making it an easy sweet potato turkey chili for busy weeknights.
- Packed with nutrients, it’s a truly healthy turkey chili with sweet potato.
- The whole family will devour it – even picky eaters!
- It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
- The vibrant colors make it as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Satisfying and hearty, it’s perfect for cooler weather.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful chili. I love that these are mostly pantry staples! The turkey chili ingredients sweet potato really shine, giving us that perfect balance. You’ll find that using diced sweet potatoes is key for that lovely texture in this turkey chili recipe with chunks of sweet potato.
- 1 lb ground turkey – I prefer 93% lean for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing our aromatics.
- 1 medium onion, diced – about 1.5 cups, adds a sweet base.
- 1 bell pepper, diced – any color works, I like red or yellow for sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder, plus more to taste.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – adds warmth and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a hint of smoky deliciousness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced – about 3 cups, these are the stars!
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – the backbone of our chili.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – for added texture and fiber.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – another hearty bean to make it filling.
- 2 cups vegetable broth – to bring it all together and ensure a good simmer.
- Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, avocado, cheddar cheese – for serving!
How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Making this chili is delightfully straightforward, perfect for an easy sweet potato turkey chili any night of the week. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a hearty and flavorful dish!
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This initial browning really builds flavor.
- Step 2: Toss in 1 medium onion, diced, and 1 bell pepper, diced. Sauté them with the turkey for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Then, stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can really smell that delicious garlic aroma.
- Step 3: Sprinkle in the spices: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the turkey and veggies, letting the spices toast for about 30 seconds to really wake up their flavors.
- Step 4: Add the 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced, to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine them with the turkey mixture. If you’re adapting this for a slow cooker sweet potato turkey chili, this is where you’d transfer everything to your slow cooker now.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed. Stir everything together until it’s all well incorporated.
- Step 6: Add 2 cups vegetable broth. Give it one last good stir to make sure everything is submerged and ready to simmer. If you’re going the instant pot sweet potato turkey chili route, secure the lid and set it to high pressure for about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 7: Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 8: Taste your chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more chili powder for extra kick!
- Step 9: Serve your hearty sweet potato turkey chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Want to elevate your chili game? These little tricks will ensure your sweet potato turkey chili is absolutely perfect every time!
- Don’t skip browning the turkey! This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Your palate is the best guide for the best sweet potato turkey chili.
- Let it rest! Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes off the heat before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Potato Turkey Chili?
The secret to a truly perfect sweet potato turkey chili lies in layering flavors and not overcooking the sweet potatoes. Browning the turkey well and toasting the spices before adding liquids makes a huge difference. Understanding the role of spices can greatly enhance your cooking; for instance, learning about different spices can open up new flavor profiles.
Can I make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Potato Turkey Chili?
A common pitfall is overcooking the sweet potatoes so they turn mushy. Stir gently and check for tenderness. Also, be sure to taste and adjust seasonings before serving, as canned tomatoes and broth can vary in saltiness. For more tips on cooking vegetables, check out this guide on preparing fresh salads, which often involves similar techniques for produce.
Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
This delicious chili is so versatile! For a truly hearty meal, I love serving it topped with a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy avocado. If you’re looking to amp up the heat, consider making it a spicy sweet potato turkey chili by adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños during cooking. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty homemade bread to sop up all that flavorful broth, or even some fluffy white rice. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness!
Nutrition Facts for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
This healthy turkey chili with sweet potato is a nutritional powerhouse! It provides a great balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, keeping in mind these are estimates:
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more information on healthy eating, you can explore resources on superfoods that heal.
How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
This hearty sweet potato turkey chili recipe is perfect for making ahead, which means leftovers are a delicious bonus! Once your chili has cooled slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this chili freezes wonderfully. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn, and it can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit thick after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
What is sweet potato turkey chili?
Sweet potato turkey chili is a hearty and wholesome dish that swaps out some of the traditional chili ingredients for the natural sweetness and creamy texture of sweet potatoes. It typically features ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, creating a balanced and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Why add sweet potato to turkey chili?
Adding sweet potato to turkey chili offers a wonderful natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the turkey and spices. It also adds a lovely creamy texture and boosts the nutritional profile with fiber and vitamins. It’s a fantastic way to make your chili more vibrant and satisfying!
How do I make turkey chili with sweet potatoes and beans?
To make turkey chili with sweet potatoes and beans, you’ll start by browning ground turkey with onions and garlic. Then, add your spices, diced sweet potatoes, canned beans (like black beans and kidney beans), crushed tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender. It’s a straightforward process that yields a delicious result! For similar simple recipes, check out our collection of dinner ideas.
Can I make this chili spicy?
Absolutely! If you love a bit of heat, you can easily turn this into a spicy sweet potato turkey chili. Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño, or even some red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions and bell peppers. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice!
Variations of Sweet Potato Turkey Chili You Can Try
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili: For a delicious vegetarian option, simply swap the ground turkey for 1.5 cups of cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based crumbles. The sweet potatoes and beans still create a hearty and satisfying base.
- Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Without Beans: If beans aren’t your thing, no problem! You can omit them entirely. The sweet potatoes and crushed tomatoes will still provide plenty of body and flavor. Just ensure you have enough liquid from the broth and tomatoes.
- Slow Cooker Version: To make a “set it and forget it” meal, brown the turkey and sauté the onions and garlic first. Then, combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Spicy Kick: Want it hotter? Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions, or stir in a teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili: Amazing Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory ground turkey and beans. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, diced (color of your choice)
- Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, avocado, cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Turkey: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables. Mix well, allowing the spices to toast slightly and enhance their flavors.
- Incorporate Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine them with the turkey and vegetables.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, and crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together thoroughly.
- Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth, ensuring everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the chili to simmer for 30-40 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
- Serve: Once cooked and flavors are melded, your Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is ready to be served!
Notes
- This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef.
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground turkey with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Ensure all canned goods are gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: N/A