Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day but with a healthy twist that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The combination of lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes gives it this perfect balance of hearty and slightly sweet, which makes it stand out from your typical chili. Whenever I’m craving something comforting yet nourishing, this recipe is my go-to, especially during fall or cozy family dinners.

You’ll find that this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe works brilliantly for batch cooking too—it’s super easy to throw together in a slow cooker and comes out rich and flavorful every time. It’s also a crowd-pleaser; my family goes crazy for it, and I love how it sneaks in those good-for-you ingredients without anyone batting an eye. Trust me, it’s worth giving this a try if you want a chili recipe that’s fresh, filling, and full of vibrant colors and tastes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference here. The sweet potato adds a lovely sweetness and texture, while the seasoning blend brings all those cozy chili flavors together beautifully.

• Chili powder: Look for a chili powder with deep, smoky notes for the best flavor.
• Ground cumin: Toast it lightly before using if you want an extra fragrant touch.
• Salt: Helps bring out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with turkey.
• Garlic powder: Adds that classic chili savory depth—fresh garlic can be substituted if you prefer.
• Dried oregano: Enhances the overall herbaceous flavor profile.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For browning the turkey and adding richness.
• Ground turkey: Choose 92–97% lean for the best texture and health balance.
• Diced tomatoes (petite): Drained to avoid excess chili liquid.
• Tomato sauce & tomato paste: Creates a thicker, rich chili base that the sweet potatoes soak up wonderfully.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Adds subtle savory flavor without overpowering.
• Sweet potato: Peeled and diced—try to keep pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Yellow onion: Gives a mild sweetness and texture contrast.
• Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a hint of crunch.
• Corn: Either drained canned or frozen works well for a pop of sweetness.
• Kidney beans: Well-rinsed to reduce sodium and excess starch.
• Jalapeño: Minced with seeds removed for gentle heat, or leave seeds in if you like it spicier.

Variations

I love tweaking this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can easily adjust the heat level or swap out some veggies to make it your own — that’s part of the fun.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace turkey with extra beans or lentils; I tried this once and was amazed how hearty it still felt.
• Spice it Up: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky punch that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Seasonal Veggies: Swap bell pepper for zucchini or add chopped carrots; it’s a great way to sneak in more veggies.
• Slow Cooker to Stovetop: If you’re short on time, simmer it on a stovetop for about an hour; I do this when the slow cooker is already busy.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. This blend is your secret weapon, so make sure it’s well mixed and ready to go. I like to prepare it first so it’s all set when the turkey hits the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend over the turkey, stirring well to coat. Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink. This step builds the foundational flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned turkey to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, diced sweet potatoes, onion, bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, jalapeño, and the rest of your seasoning blend. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours. The long, slow simmer lets the flavors meld and the sweet potatoes become tender but still intact — a texture I personally love. If you’re in a hurry, high setting works fine too.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your warm chili into bowls and get ready to enjoy. Optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream really make it shine. My family swears the avocado adds a lovely creaminess that’s worth the extra step!

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by topping this chili with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up. Avocado slices and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese also add creamy, melty goodness that everyone loves. Sour cream is a classic too, especially if you want to cool down the heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like serving this chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips to scoop it up. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted veggies rounds out the meal nicely. If you want to keep it light, a side of steamed rice works beautifully to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chili in mini bread bowls — it’s fun, cozy, and impresses guests every time. You could also layer it in parfait glasses with sour cream and cheese for a chili “trifle.” It’s unexpected and perfect for game days or casual parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the chili completely before transferring leftovers to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and actually tastes better the next day, once all the flavors have had time to meld even more.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes beautifully and defrosts quickly in the fridge overnight. This turkey sweet potato chili recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeks when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works great too—just cover it to keep the chili moist and heat in bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe has become a cherished staple in my kitchen because it’s so versatile, comforting, and easy to prepare. I love how it brings everyone to the table and fits perfectly into both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend meals. Give it a try—I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too. Happy cooking!

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