Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

A hearty and comforting dish, Turkey Sweet Potato Chili combines the lean protein of ground turkey, the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, and the warmth of flavorful spices. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a satisfying one-pot meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins from the sweet potatoes and beans.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy the meal.
• Customizable: Adjust spices, swap beans, or change toppings to suit your preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 (14-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Cheddar cheese
• Cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Scallions

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and ground turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the turkey is no longer pink.

Combine Ingredients

3. Add chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.

Simmer the Chili

4. Increase the heat to bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 15-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Final Seasoning

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spices if needed.

Serve

6. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheddar cheese, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or add extra beans, such as black beans or chickpeas.
• Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace sweet potatoes with diced zucchini or cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative.
• Bulk It Up: Add corn, bell peppers, or even quinoa for a heartier dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled chili in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute for turkey in this recipe.

2. Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes, diced. Simmer longer to break them down.

4. Is this chili spicy?

The spice level is mild unless you add cayenne pepper. Adjust spices to your heat preference.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the turkey and sauté the onions/garlic first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

6. What’s the best type of sweet potato to use?

Choose firm sweet potatoes with orange flesh for a naturally sweet flavor.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots are great additions.

8. What beans work best for this chili?

Kidney beans are traditional, but black beans or pinto beans are excellent substitutes.

9. How do I thicken the chili?

Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce liquid, or mash some of the sweet potatoes for a thicker consistency.

10. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply skip dairy-based toppings or use dairy-free alternatives like plant-based yogurt or cheese.

Conclusion

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a comforting, wholesome dish that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor. With its balance of savory spices, hearty turkey, and naturally sweet potatoes, this one-pot meal is perfect for any time of the year. Customize it to suit your tastes and enjoy a bowl of hearty chili that will warm you from the inside out!

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