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To make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili, you need a mix of hearty and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for sautéing - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Each ingredient brings its own flavor. Ground turkey is lean and full of protein. Sweet potatoes add a sweet taste and creamy texture. The beans boost fiber and heartiness. Diced tomatoes add moisture and tang. Onion and garlic give a savory base. Bell pepper brings color and crunch. Broth and spices tie it all together. You can add fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. Gathering these ingredients sets you up for a warm and filling meal. You can find most of these items at your local grocery store. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing the Vegetables Start with a large pot. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell nice but not burn. - Cooking the Ground Turkey Next, add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart. Cook it until it turns brown and is cooked through, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left in the turkey. - Combining Ingredients Once the turkey is ready, add 2 diced sweet potatoes, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of kidney beans, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice. Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Season the mix with 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine. - Adjusting Heat and Seasoning Bring the chili to a gentle boil. After that, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. This helps the flavors blend. You can taste it after about 30 minutes and adjust the spices if needed. - Cooking Time Overview Let the chili simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes. This is the time for the sweet potatoes to become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t boil over. - Letting It Sit Before Serving Once the chili is done, remove it from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and deepen. - Serving Suggestions When ready, ladle the chili into bowls. You can garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. It pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips for extra crunch. Enjoy your hearty meal! - Perfecting the Chili Consistency To get the right thickness, use less broth or let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth. Sweet potatoes break down, adding creaminess. Stir often to avoid sticking. - Enhancing Flavors with Seasonings Start with chili powder and cumin. These spices add warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust the cayenne for more heat. Fresh garlic and onion bring a natural sweetness. Don’t skip the smoked paprika; it adds a lovely smokiness. - Pairing with Cornbread or Chips Serve your chili with warm cornbread. The sweet bread complements the heat of the chili. You can also try tortilla chips for extra crunch. They add texture and work well for dipping. - Creative Garnishes Fresh cilantro makes a great garnish. It adds color and a burst of flavor. You can also top it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. Shredded cheese is another tasty option. Pro Tips Prep Your Vegetables: Before you start cooking, dice all your vegetables and measure out your spices. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure you don’t miss any ingredients. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices whenever possible. If your spices are old, consider replacing them to enhance the overall taste of your chili. Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more as needed after tasting. Let It Sit: After cooking, allow the chili to sit covered for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste. {{image_2}} Using Different Proteins You can switch the ground turkey for other meats. Ground beef or chicken works well. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey breast. For a fun twist, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. Each choice gives a unique taste to your chili. Vegan or Vegetarian Options For a vegan chili, skip the meat. Use extra beans or lentils instead. Chickpeas are a great addition too. Instead of broth, use vegetable stock. This keeps it hearty while fitting a plant-based diet. You’ll still enjoy all the flavors. Adjusting Heat with Peppers Want more heat? Add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also use hot chili powder for a spicy kick. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne pepper. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. This lets you control the spice level. Flavor Boost Alternatives To add depth, consider using smoked chipotle in adobo sauce. This gives a smoky flavor. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. A splash of lime juice brightens the dish, making each bite pop with flavor. Refrigeration Tips After you make your sweet potato turkey chili, let it cool down. Pour it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you'll know when to eat it. Freezing for Later Use If you want to save it longer, freezing works great. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space for expansion. Your chili can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Best Methods for Reheating Chili To reheat your chili, the stove is best. Pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often. This helps it heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures it warms up well without overcooking. Always check that it's hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can make this chili ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge. Warm it up when you're ready to eat. I love serving this chili with cornbread or tortilla chips. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some shredded cheese on top. Fresh cilantro makes a nice garnish too. This chili lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Absolutely! You can add any veggies you like. Zucchini, carrots, or corn work great. Just chop them up and add them in when you mix the other ingredients. This chili recipe is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. You learned how to sauté vegetables, cook turkey, and combine it all. The tips give you ways to perfect the dish, adjust flavors, and serve it best. Don't forget the variations, so you can make it your own. You can store and reheat it easily. Enjoy making this hearty meal that warms your belly and your heart. Chili is perfect for any occasion, and you now have the skills to master it. Happy cooking!

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili made with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and beans, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper any color, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for sautéing tablespoons olive oil
  • optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  • Once the turkey is cooked, add the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth.
  • Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 30–40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more spice or salt to your preference.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch.
Keyword chili, comfort food, healthy, sweet potato, turkey