Let’s talk about a bowl of comfort that’s anything but ordinary. This turkey sweet potato chili is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most incredible, smoky aroma, a promise of the cozy satisfaction to come.
It’s hearty, a little bit sweet, and packed with just the right amount of spice. Honestly, it might just become your new favorite reason to fire up the slow cooker.
Why This Chili Feels Like a Hug
There’s something truly special about a recipe that manages to be both nourishing and deeply comforting. This chili, with its vibrant colors and rich flavors, absolutely fits the bill.
It’s a meal that seems to understand you, you know? It’s there for you after a long, busy day, ready to warm you up from the inside out.
The sweet potatoes soften and melt into the broth, creating a wonderfully thick base that’s just so satisfying to eat.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering everything is the first step to chili success. Here’s your shopping list for this flavorful adventure.
- Seasoning Blend: Chili powder, ground cumin, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Chili Base: Extra virgin olive oil, 2 pounds of lean ground turkey.
- Tomato Goodness: Canned petite diced tomatoes (drained), tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Liquid: Reduced-sodium chicken broth.
- Veggies & Beans: One large sweet potato (peeled and diced), yellow onion, green bell pepper, corn (canned or frozen), kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and one small jalapeño.
The Magic of the Slow Cooker
If you’ve ever doubted the power of your slow cooker, this chili will make you a believer. It’s the ultimate kitchen ally for creating deep, developed flavors with minimal hands-on effort.
Just a bit of prep in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’re a hero. The long, gentle simmering coaxes out the sweetness of the potatoes and melds all the spices together perfectly.
It’s practically foolproof, which is exactly what we need for a stress-free dinner.
How to make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
Mix Your Seasoning Blend
First things first, let’s build our flavor foundation. Grab a small bowl and whisk together the chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
This homemade blend is a game-changer, trust me. It fills your kitchen with the most amazing scent, a little preview of the deliciousness to come.
Brown the Ground Turkey
Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the ground turkey and let it cook for about 4 minutes.
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of your seasoning blend and continue cooking, breaking up the meat as you go, until it’s no longer pink. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor right from the start.
Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beautifully browned and seasoned turkey into your slow cooker. Now for the fun part—dumping in everything else!
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, jalapeño, and the rest of that incredible seasoning mix. Give it one good, hearty stir to combine it all.
Let It Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on and let the magic happen. You can cook it on low for about 7 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, on high for around 4 hours.
The wait is the hardest part, as your home will be filled with an absolutely tantalizing aroma. You’ll know it’s done when the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili is thick and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and get creative with your toppings. A dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, or creamy avocado slices are all fantastic choices.
Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onion for a bright, fresh finish. Then, just dig in and savor every single spoonful.
Tips
For a thicker chili, you can leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the extra liquid to evaporate, giving you a richer, heartier consistency.
If you accidentally make it too spicy, a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a teaspoon of brown sugar can help balance the heat beautifully. It’s a neat little trick that works every time.
And don’t be shy about making a double batch of the seasoning blend. You’ll thank yourself later when you can whip up another pot of chili in record time.
What to Serve With Your Hearty Chili
This chili is a complete meal in a bowl, but every great star needs a supporting cast. The classic, can’t-go-wrong pairing is, of course, a slice of warm, buttery cornbread.
Its slight sweetness is a perfect counterpoint to the smoky, spiced chili. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works wonders to lighten things up.
And for a real treat, try serving it over a baked potato or even a handful of tortilla chips for some satisfying crunch.
Ingredient Swaps and Twists
The beauty of a chili like this is its incredible flexibility. Don’t feel locked in by the ingredient list—make it your own!
If you’re not a turkey person, ground chicken or lean beef will work wonderfully. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat and add an extra can of beans, maybe some black beans for variety.
You can also play with the vegetables; butternut squash is a fantastic stand-in for sweet potato, and a red bell pepper would add a lovely pop of color.
Storing and Reheating for Future You
One of the best things about this recipe is that the leftovers might be even better than the first serving. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen in the fridge.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, a gentle warm-up on the stovetop is ideal, but the microwave works just fine for a quick lunch.
And yes, this chili freezes like a dream for up to 3 months, making it the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Description
This smoky and spiced turkey sweet potato chili is as hearty and satisfying as it is flavorful! Made with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, beans, corn, and a bold blend of spices, it simmers to perfection in the slow cooker. Naturally packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, it’s a wholesome comfort food that’s perfect for fall and winter nights.
ingredients
Seasoning Blend
Chili
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix together all seasoning blend ingredients. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 4 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Add 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend to the turkey. Cook another 4–5 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
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Transfer the cooked turkey to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
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Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, jalapeño (if using), and the remaining seasoning blend to the slow cooker.
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Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 245kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.8g17%
- Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
- Cholesterol 62.6mg21%
- Sodium 812.3mg34%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 17.6g6%
- Dietary Fiber 4.2g17%
- Sugars 6.1g
- Protein 22g44%
- Calcium 6 mg
- Iron 18 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Stovetop option: After browning turkey, add all ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer covered on medium-low for 45–60 minutes.
- Vegetarian version: Omit turkey and double beans and sweet potatoes. Use vegetable broth.
- Spice control: Omit jalapeño for mild chili, or add cayenne for extra heat.
- Quinoa add-in: Stir in ½ cup uncooked quinoa during the last 45 minutes of slow cooking for a thicker, heartier chili.
