This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a warm and hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. Tender turkey and sweet potatoes dance together in a spicy sauce that’s perfect for cozy nights!
You won’t believe how delicious this combo is! I love using sweet potatoes—they add a little sweetness to balance the heat. Serve it with some bread for dipping, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing. If you prefer a different flavor, use avocado oil or coconut oil instead. Both have higher smoke points and add a unique taste!
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey keeps this chili light. You can swap it for ground chicken or even lean beef if you’re in the mood for a richer flavor. Vegetarian? Try using lentils or tempeh!
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and texture. If you want to switch it up, use butternut squash or regular potatoes. Both will work just fine!
Diced Tomatoes: The canned version is super convenient. If you have fresh tomatoes, chop them up and use 4-5 medium-sized instead. It really brightens up the dish!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. You can substitute with kidney beans or chickpeas if needed, or omit them for a lower-carb option.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat, but feel free to skip it or use jalapeño for a fresher spice. Adjust based on your heat tolerance!
How Can I Get My Chili to Have Enough Flavor?
Building flavor is key to a delicious chili. Start by sautéing your onions and garlic until they’re fragrant. This step infuses your oil and everything that follows with rich flavor.
- Don’t rush when browning the turkey—let it cook completely to develop that nice flavor.
- Mix your spices in well. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adjusting salt and spices as you cook helps the flavors shine.
- Simmering allows the sweet potatoes to absorb the spices and for everything to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to check on progress!
With these tips, you’ll have a chili that’s not just hearty but bursting with flavor!
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Turkey Chili will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. Overall, you should set aside about 40 minutes to make this warm and hearty dish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally. This step builds a flavorful base for your chili.
2. Adding Garlic and Turkey:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, introduce the ground turkey, using a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook the turkey until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure it cooks evenly.
3. Mixing in the Main Ingredients:
It’s time to add the star of the show! Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Make sure everything is well mixed.
4. Spicing It Up:
Now, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine all those wonderful flavors.
5. Simmering:
Increase the heat to bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender and all the flavors to meld together. It will smell amazing!
6. Adjusting and Serving:
Before you serve, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once you’re happy with the flavor, ladle the chili into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Sweet Potato Turkey Chili! It’s perfect for cozy dinners and sure to warm your heart!
Can I Substitute the Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! You can replace ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or even make it vegetarian by using lentils or crumbled tempeh. Each option will bring a different flavor profile!
What Other Beans Can I Use?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, feel free to use kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Each will add a unique texture and flavor to your chili.
Can I Make This Chili in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the chili a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container!