Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for chilly evenings, you’re going to adore this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe. I absolutely love how this chili combines the subtle sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the savory spices hugging lean ground turkey—it’s a total crowd-pleaser each time I make it. Whether you’re new to slow cooker recipes or a seasoned chili fan, stick with me—I promise this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and super easy to pull together.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe works together to create layers of flavor and texture, from smoky spices to wholesome veggies. When shopping, I recommend grabbing fresh sweet potatoes and a good-quality ground turkey—you’ll taste the difference, especially in a slow-simmered dish like this.

• Chili powder: Choose a good-quality chili powder for that warm, earthy base note.
• Ground cumin: It adds a subtle smoky depth—don’t skip this one.
• Salt: Essential to balance and bring out all the flavors.
• Smoked paprika: This is where that irresistible smoky aroma comes from.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground gives it a lovely bite.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory richness without overpowering.
• Dried oregano: Brings a slight herbal hint that brightens the chili.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For browning the turkey and boosting flavor.
• Ground turkey: Lean turkey keeps it healthy but still satisfying.
• Diced tomatoes: I use petite diced for nice texture without big chunks.
• Tomato sauce: Adds body and a smooth tangy base.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor, adds richness.
• Chicken broth (reduced sodium): Keeps the chili from drying out and layers in a subtle savory note.
• Sweet potato: Peeled and diced to tender perfection, this is the star that adds a gentle sweetness.
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Green bell pepper: Provides freshness and crunch.
• Corn: I use drained canned corn but frozen works beautifully too.
• Kidney beans: Drain and rinse well—these add fiber and heartiness.
• Jalapeño: Minced and deseeded for just the right hint of heat without overpowering.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is—you can tweak the spices and add-ins to suit what you have on hand or your heat tolerance. Personally, I’ve played around with it to suit different moods and dietary needs, so feel free to get creative!

• Spice it up: When I want extra heat, I leave the jalapeño seeds intact or add a dash of cayenne pepper—this gives it a nice kick.
• Vegetarian Twist: Skip the turkey and use extra beans and veggies like zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty meatless version.
• Slow Cooker to Instant Pot: Press the sauté button for browning the turkey, then cook under high pressure for 20 minutes for a speedy meal.
• Seasonal Swaps: Swap the green bell pepper for red or yellow for sweetness, or add a handful of kale toward the end for a boost of greens.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Magic Seasoning Blend

Grab a small bowl and mix together all the dry seasonings—chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Having this all prepped makes the cooking so much smoother, and you can even make extra to keep on hand for your next batch of chili or tacos.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of your seasoning blend—stir it in well to coat all the meat, and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked through. Watch for no pink bits left behind—that’s your sign of doneness.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Transfer your perfectly browned turkey into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, diced sweet potato, onion, green bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, minced jalapeño, and the rest of the seasoning blend. Give everything a good stir so the flavors meld. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours—it’s amazing how the flavors deepen as it simmers.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your chili is ready, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle it into bowls and serve warm—easy toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices take it to the next level. Trust me, these little finishing touches make it extra special.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this chili with freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream—those creamy and fresh flavors contrast so nicely against the smoky, spicy chili. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts right in, and if you’re like me, avocado slices add a cool, buttery finish.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often serve this chili with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad or roasted veggies balance the meal out beautifully, especially if you want to keep things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chili in individual bread bowls—super fun and hearty! Another idea is layering chili with tortilla chips and cheese for a loaded nacho platter upgrade. It’s always a hit at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili stores beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. I usually cool it completely before refrigerating—that helps keep the flavor intact. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners on busy nights.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this chili in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. Just be sure to cool it fully, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, the sweet potatoes stay tender and the flavors are just as vibrant.

Reheating

To reheat, I either pop it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming, or warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat—adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much. This keeps the chili silky and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want comfort food that feels hearty yet wholesome. I love how it’s packed with flavor but still feels light enough to enjoy any time. If you try it, I hope it becomes a family favorite like it has for me—slow cooker magic that warms your soul and fills the kitchen with amazing aromas. Give it a go, and I’m betting you’ll be making it again and again!

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