If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with hardly any fuss, I have just the thing. This Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe is exactly that—five simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor. I absolutely love how this chili balances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory spices and lean turkey, making it a wholesome dish that my whole family goes crazy for. Stick with me, and you’ll find it’s one of the easiest, tastiest chili recipes you’ll make all year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Just five main ingredients come together for big, bold flavor without a long shopping list.
- Nutritious and Filling: Lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans make this chili hearty and healthy.
- Easy Prep & Quick Cooking: You can have dinner on the table in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Friendly: Mild spice with a little kick means it pleases kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe lies in the simple, complementary flavors coming together. These ingredients create that perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy. When shopping, grab fresh sweet potatoes with smooth skins and lean ground turkey for the best results.
- Oil: I usually use olive or avocado oil to get a nice sear on the turkey and onion without burning.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; slicing it thin helps it meld beautifully into the chili.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and healthy, but stays juicy when cooked right—don’t skip sealing it in the pan!
- Chili Powder: Brings classic chili flavor; I love using a good quality blend for richness.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds a vibrant twist with cumin, paprika, and other spices that really wake up the dish.
- Sweet Potatoes: Chopped small for quicker cooking; I keep the peel on since it’s nutritious and saves time.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give that warm aroma and subtle kick—you’ll want to smell this cooking!
- Water and Broth: I start with 2 cups of broth and add more for perfect chili consistency—homemade or store-bought both work.
- Black Beans (canned): Rinse them well to reduce sodium and add hearty texture and protein.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for mild heat, but toss in more if you like things spicy.
Variations
I love making this Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe my own by tweaking it now and then. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, swap in ingredients you have around, or make it fit your dietary needs. One of the best parts about a chili is its flexibility!
- Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in bell peppers or corn for extra color and crunch—my family loves the added texture.
- Spice It Up: If you want more heat, try adding jalapeños or increasing cayenne pepper; but if mild is your jam, just stick to the base amount.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the turkey for extra beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Slow Cooker Version: For easy all-day cooking, brown the turkey and onions first, then toss everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
How to Make Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Turkey and Onions with Spices
Heat your oil over medium-high heat in a heavy, deep pot—using a Dutch oven works beautifully here. Toss in the sliced onions, ground turkey, and half of your chili powder and taco seasoning. As the turkey cooks, add a splash of water if the pan gets dry to keep everything moist and tender. You want the turkey browned and crumbled evenly with soft onions—this is where the base flavors really develop. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Spices
In the same pot (hello, flavor boost!), add your chopped sweet potatoes along with the remaining chili powder and taco seasoning. Stir everything well so those spices coat the potatoes. Let them brown slightly—it adds a lovely depth and slightly caramelized flavor. Then add the garlic cloves, along with water and broth. Bring this mixture to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are super tender. This step ensures sweetness and heartiness without any mushiness.
Step 3: Puree and Finish the Chili
Here’s a trick I discovered: use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the sweet potatoes and broth combo to your preferred consistency. I love it a little chunky for texture, but you can go smooth if that’s your thing. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer carefully to a blender in batches. Once smooth, stir the browned turkey back in along with the black beans and cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir, let everything warm through, and you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
- Brown Your Turkey Well: I used to rush this step, but browning thoroughly really adds flavor and great texture.
- Keep It Moist: Adding water while cooking the turkey keeps it juicy and stops it from drying out—trust me, it makes a huge difference.
- Blend to Your Taste: Play with pureeing the sweet potato mixture to keep it chunky or smooth based on your family’s preference.
- Adjust Spice Gradually: Start with less cayenne; you can always add more at the end if you want more kick without overpowering the dish.
How to Serve Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love topping this chili with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh, bright note that really lifts the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, diced avocado or crunchy tortilla strips bring a fantastic texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Some crusty cornbread or homemade bread rolls are perfect companions. I also like serving it alongside a simple green salad or a scoop of steamed rice to make it even more filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or casual get-togethers, I like serving this chili in small mason jars or mini bowls garnished with colorful toppings. It’s cute, approachable, and makes portion control easy. Another fun idea is to turn it into chili bowls by stuffing baked sweet potatoes with the chili mixture, then topping them with all the fixings. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always let the chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Reheating brings the flavors even closer together, so leftovers taste great—sometimes even better than fresh!
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. I portion it out into meal-size containers or freezer bags, then label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for easy weeknight dinners without any stress.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching and adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly. The chili maintains a creamy texture and robust flavor, perfect for a quick meal.
FAQs
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Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this chili?
Absolutely! Ground beef works just as well in this recipe and adds a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content, and you may want to drain excess grease after browning to keep it from getting too oily.
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Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Not at all! I often leave the peel on because it’s nutritious and softens nicely during cooking—plus it saves time. Just make sure to wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly before chopping.
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Is this chili spicy? Can I make it milder?
The recipe has a mild spice level with a touch of cayenne for warmth. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper, and feel free to add more if you want that spicy kick.
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Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey and onions first on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the sweet potatoes are tender. This lets flavors meld beautifully and is great for hands-off cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something nourishing but fuss-free. It’s one of those recipes I recommend to friends, especially if you’re short on time but still want something that feels homemade and satisfying. Give it a try on your next busy night—you’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious and comforting. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!
Print
Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious chili featuring lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and bold spices. It’s a simple, comforting meal perfect for any occasion, made with minimal ingredients yet packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste)
Vegetables and Beans
- 3 sweet potatoes, chopped into small pieces (peel left on)
- 1 14-ounce can black beans
Liquids
- 2 cups water (plus more as needed)
- 2-3 cups broth (start with 2 cups)
Instructions
- Brown the turkey and onions: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy, deep pot. Add the sliced onion, ground turkey, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Stir occasionally and add water as needed to keep the turkey moist while cooking. Cook until the turkey is browned and crumbled, and the onions are soft. Remove this mixture from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the sweet potatoes and spices: Using the same pot, add the chopped sweet potatoes along with the remaining chili powder and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine. Allow the sweet potatoes to brown slightly for some caramelization and enhanced flavor.
- Add garlic and liquids, then simmer: Stir in the garlic cloves, 2 cups water, and broth. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are very soft.
- Puree the base: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the mixture to your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the browned turkey and onions to the pot along with the canned black beans and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and heat through for a few minutes so the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning and spice level to taste before serving.
Notes
- This chili uses just five core ingredients, making it a quick and easy recipe without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
- Leaving the peel on the sweet potatoes maximizes fiber and nutrients, but you can peel them if preferred.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to make the chili milder or spicier depending on your taste.
- An immersion blender makes pureeing easier and safer, but a regular blender works as well—just be careful with hot liquids.
- This recipe yields a thick, creamy chili thanks to the pureed sweet potatoes, but you can leave some chunks if you prefer more texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 398
- Sugar: 5.3 g
- Sodium: 996 mg
- Fat: 14.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: approximately 10.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34.9 g
- Fiber: 9.9 g
- Protein: 34.5 g
- Cholesterol: 95.9 mg
