TURKEY SWEET POTATO CHILI BEST

Okay, friend, let’s dive into making the best Turkey Sweet Potato Chili you’ve ever tasted! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s truly a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor, and surprisingly healthy. We’re talking lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.

Why This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Is the Best

Before we get cooking, let’s talk about why this particular chili recipe is so amazing. First off, it’s a fantastic way to use ground turkey, which is a lighter alternative to beef and packed with protein. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creaminess that perfectly complements the savory spices. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking with different toppings, beans, and spices.

Beyond the taste, this chili is also incredibly convenient. It’s a one-pot meal, meaning fewer dishes to wash (hallelujah!). It’s also perfect for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have a comforting bowl of chili ready to go on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make a truly exceptional Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:

• Ground Turkey: 1.5 pounds (lean or extra-lean)
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Bell Pepper: 1 (any color), chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 28 ounces (undrained)
• Canned Black Beans: 15 ounces, rinsed and drained
• Canned Kidney Beans: 15 ounces, rinsed and drained (optional, but adds great texture!)
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (low sodium)
• Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons
• Cumin: 1 tablespoon
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste – be careful!)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
• Chopped Green Onions
• Avocado slices
• Cilantro
• Tortilla Chips
• A dollop of hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Now for the fun part – cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Turkey Sweet Potato Chili simmering in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for the entire chili. Don’t rush it! You want the onions to be translucent and the peppers to be slightly tender.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be enticing and make you want to keep going!

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble the turkey well so that it cooks evenly. Drain off any excess fat. Nobody wants greasy chili!

Step 3: Add the Spices

This is where the magic happens! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step is important because toasting the spices enhances their flavor and really brings out their warmth. Don’t skip it!

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, kidney beans (if using), tomato paste, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Make sure everything is nicely mixed together and that the tomato paste is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Simmer and Sweeten

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the sweet potatoes will become tender. This is the perfect time to do some meal prep for later in the week or bake some cornbread to serve alongside.

Pro Tip: For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot during the last 15 minutes of simmering. This will create a creamy texture without adding any extra ingredients.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! So, start with a little bit and taste as you go.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings

Now that your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, and cilantro are all fantastic options. A dollop of hot sauce is always a welcome addition for those who like a little extra heat.

This chili is also delicious served with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or some steamed vegetables. If you’re looking for other side dish ideas, consider something like Thanksgiving Family Holiday Meals, which can offer inspiration for complementary flavors and textures. You might even get some ideas for your next holiday gathering!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chili Ever

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you make the absolute best Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the chili will taste. Opt for fresh produce and high-quality spices.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use different types of beans, such as pinto beans or great northern beans.
• Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Let it simmer: The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. If you have time, let it simmer for a few hours on low heat.
• Make it ahead: Chili is a great make-ahead dish. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
• Freeze it for later: Chili freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about chili is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations and adaptations you can try to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground turkey and add more beans or vegetables. You can also use a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
• Spicy Chili: Add more cayenne pepper, jalapenos, or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
• Smoky Chili: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or a few dashes of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• White Chicken Chili: Substitute ground turkey with shredded chicken and use white beans instead of black and kidney beans.
• Instant Pot Chili: To make this chili in an Instant Pot, sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic using the sauté function. Then, add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Add the spices, diced tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, chicken broth, and sweet potatoes. Stir well, then cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, here are a few other recipes you might like:

• Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A fun and comforting twist on classic chili.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A creamy and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chili.
• Minestrone Soup: Another hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns easily and can become bitter if overcooked. Add it at the end of the sautéing process and cook for only a minute until fragrant.
• Not browning the turkey: Browning the turkey adds flavor and depth to the chili. Make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned before adding the other ingredients.
• Overcooking the sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can become mushy if overcooked. Add them towards the end of the simmering process and cook until they’re tender but still hold their shape.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste the chili throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you fix any issues you might encounter:

• Chili is too thin: Simmer the chili uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken it.
• Chili is too thick: Add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
• Chili is too spicy: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool it down. You can also add a touch of sweetness, such as a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• Chili is too bland: Add more spices, such as chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – the ultimate Turkey Sweet Potato Chili recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious and comforting dish as much as I do. Remember to have fun in the kitchen, experiment with different variations, and make it your own. And most importantly, share it with the people you love. Happy cooking!

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a flavorful and healthy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It features lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, and a blend of savory spices for a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s also versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds ground turkey lean or extra-lean
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper any color
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
• 15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained optional
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more, to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, cilantro, tortilla chips, hot sauce

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• cutting board
• knife
• measuring cups and spoons
• spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
6. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, kidney beans (if using), tomato paste, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot during the last 15 minutes of simmering. Chili tastes even better the next day, and it freezes well for up to 3 months. Experiment with different vegetables and beans to customize the recipe to your liking. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.