If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, look no further than this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe. This dish perfectly balances the earthy sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the lean protein of turkey, all simmered in a rich, spiced tomato broth. It’s a wonderful one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you’re a chili novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will warm your soul and impress your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding warmth and depth with spices to lending satisfying texture and color that makes each bite delightful.
- Cooked turkey (3 cups): Provides a lean, savory protein base that soaks up the chili spices beautifully.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced): Add natural sweetness and a creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the beans.
- Yellow onion (1 large, diced): Builds a flavor foundation when sautéed, adding mild sweetness and aroma.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Brings a fresh, slightly fruity note and a pop of bright color.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the chili with its unmistakable warm and pungent flavor.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Offer juicy acidity that balances the sweetness and spices.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Add heft, nutrients, and a creamy bite.
- Kidney beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Complement the black beans with their firm texture and earthy flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (2 cups): Keeps the chili moist and adds savory depth.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): Provides the characteristic heat and smoky flavor expected in classic chili.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers warm, earthy undertones that enhance the spice blend.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness that brings complexity.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Surprises with a hint of sweetness and warmth beneath the spices.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives an adjustable kick for those who like it spicy.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the natural tastes of all the ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and brightens the overall flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing vegetables and melding flavors.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming up the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook them for about 5 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, setting a flavorful base for the chili.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This quick cooking helps mellow the garlic’s sharp edge and infuses the oil with that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Spice it Up with Sweet Potatoes
Now it’s time to add the diced sweet potatoes along with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure each sweet chunk is coated in this vibrant spice mixture. These spices bring warmth and a nuanced depth that makes this turkey sweet potato chili recipe so special.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the black and kidney beans, and your broth of choice. Stir everything together and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. This liquid combination will soften the sweet potatoes and meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer Until Sweet Potatoes are Tender
Cover the pot and let the chili cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 6: Add the Cooked Turkey
Stir in the cooked turkey, then simmer the chili uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the turkey to warm through and gives all the flavors a chance to meld together into a harmonious, mouthwatering dish.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
This is the moment to shine as a home cook—taste your chili and tweak the seasoning to your preference. Sometimes a smidge more salt or an extra sprinkle of chili powder takes it over the top.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once seasoned to perfection, ladle the chili into bowls and get ready to dig in. This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is just begging to be enjoyed while warm and cozy.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your bowl with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, wedges of lime, or creamy diced avocado. These toppings add freshness, texture, and pops of color, enhancing every spoonful of this hearty chili.
Side Dishes
Pair your chili with warm cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or a simple green salad to round out the meal. Each side complements the rich flavors and makes for a satisfying dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the chili in small bread bowls or top it with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious layered effect. It’s also fantastic over steamed rice or even inside baked sweet potatoes for an extra comforting dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until warmed through or reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili has thickened too much in storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of cooked turkey?
Absolutely! Brown the ground turkey in the pot before adding the vegetables to create a similar depth of flavor and texture.
Is this chili spicy?
The heat level is moderate by default, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less cayenne pepper or chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the turkey with extra beans or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to keep it filling and delicious.
How can I make this chili thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid or mash some of the sweet potato chunks to naturally thicken the chili.
What’s the best way to peel sweet potatoes?
Use a vegetable peeler or a small paring knife. Make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before peeling to remove any dirt or debris.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting embrace of a bowl of this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe on a chilly day. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and so full of flavor you’ll want to come back for seconds. Give this recipe a try and let it become a beloved staple in your home as it is in mine.
Print
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and nutritious Turkey Sweet Potato Chili featuring tender turkey, sweet potatoes, black and kidney beans, and a blend of warm spices. This one-pot meal is perfect for a comforting dinner, packed with protein and fiber, and full of bold flavors with a hint of smokiness and mild heat.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional, to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Sauté garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add sweet potatoes and spices: Add diced sweet potatoes along with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, kidney beans, and broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer chili: Cover the pot and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and flavors meld together.
- Add turkey and meld flavors: Stir in the cooked turkey pieces. Let the chili simmer uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully combine and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings by adding more salt or spices as desired to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, or diced avocado for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Use ground turkey instead of cooked shredded turkey for a different texture; brown the ground turkey before adding vegetables.
- Sweet potatoes can be substituted with butternut squash if preferred.
- Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
