Turkey Sweet Potato Chili – Healthy & Cozy Dinner

Chili powder: Provides the classic chili flavor; choose a good quality one for richer taste.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that balances the heat from the peppers.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it but adjust to your taste.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth that elevates the chili.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little extra bite.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
Dried oregano: Adds a mild herbiness that complements the other spices.
Extra virgin olive oil: For browning the turkey and adding richness.
Lean ground turkey: Use 92-97% lean for the healthiest, juiciest chili.
Petite diced tomatoes: Choose canned for convenience and consistent flavor.
Tomato sauce and paste: These thicken the chili and bring concentrated tomato flavor.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chili moist and adds savory depth without extra salt.
Sweet potato: Peel and dice fresh sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and texture.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aroma.
Green bell pepper: For color and a subtle crunch.
Corn (canned or frozen): Brings a little pop of sweetness that pairs well with the spices.
Kidney beans: Adds protein and fiber while making the chili more filling.
Jalapeño: Minced with seeds removed for controlled heat—adjust to your spice tolerance.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I like to tweak this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family is in the mood for. Don’t hesitate to play with spice levels or try it with different beans to make it your own.

Spice it up: Adding more jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne makes it great for those who love heat—I’ve done this on game nights and everyone loved it.
Vegetarian version: Swap the turkey for extra beans and mushrooms to keep it hearty without meat.
Different veggies: Try adding chopped carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Slow cooker vs stovetop: If you’re short on time, stovetop cooking works too—just simmer a bit longer to get the sweet potatoes tender.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Step 1: Mix up that flavorful seasoning blend

Start by combining all your spices in a small bowl—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. I love doing this first because it means you won’t have to scramble looking for individual spices later, and it helps layer all the flavors more evenly when cooking.

Step 2: Brown the ground turkey to juicy perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the turkey. Let it cook for about 4 minutes before adding 2 tablespoons of your seasoning blend. Keep breaking the meat up into small pieces as you cook for another 4-5 minutes—this way the turkey cooks evenly and absorbs all those lovely spices. Make sure it’s completely cooked through before moving on!

Step 3: Combine everything and slow cook

Transfer your browned turkey to a 6-quart slow cooker, then add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, diced sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, jalapeño, and the remaining seasoning blend. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so every ingredient is coated with spices and sauce. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy all the cozy goodness

Once the chili is done, give it a little stir and scoop yourself a warm bowl. I love adding a handful of fresh chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some avocado slices on top—it just takes the flavor and texture to the next level. My family can’t get enough!

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Pro Tips for Making Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Even Cooking: Dicing your sweet potatoes into small, uniform pieces helps them cook through fully during the slow-cook time without turning mushy.
Spice Balance: Always taste before serving and adjust salt or heat as needed—sometimes canned tomatoes vary in acidity and salt content.
Browning the Meat: Don’t skip browning the turkey first; it adds a rich depth that slow cooker-only recipes can lack.
Jalapeño Handling: Removing the seeds controls heat, but if you want more spice, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder instead for smoky heat.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with three layers of thick chili, showing a rich red sauce with visible chunks of ground meat, dark red kidney beans, pieces of yellow corn, and small orange carrot bits mixed evenly throughout. A dollop of white sour cream sits in the center on top, garnished with small green chopped scallions and cilantro leaves. A silver spoon with a wooden handle rests on the right inside edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a small brown textured cloth beneath it, next to two spoons with wooden handles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally can’t resist topping this chili with fresh chopped cilantro and green onions for a fresh kick. A spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese adds creaminess that cools down the heat, and sliced avocado brings a buttery finish I absolutely adore.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it simple with warm cornbread or crusty whole-grain bread to soak up all that chili goodness. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I love serving the chili in small bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream and mini avocado halves for an elegant touch. You can also turn it into loaded chili bowls with quinoa or rice and a variety of colorful toppings laid out buffet-style for everyone to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili stores beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. I usually portion mine into individual containers so it’s easy to grab and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe freezes really well! I like to cool the chili completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It stays fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for prepping in advance and thawing on busy days.

Reheating

When reheating, I usually warm the chili slowly on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s heated through and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the turkey and mixing in the seasoning, combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How spicy is this chili, and can I adjust the heat?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the single jalapeño with seeds removed. You can easily adjust it by adding more jalapeños, leaving seeds in, or including additional chili powders or cayenne pepper based on your taste.
Can I substitute other types of beans?

Yes! Kidney beans are classic, but black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas work wonderfully and add different textures and flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your canned ingredients and broth labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe has become a go-to comfort food for my family, especially during chilly seasons. It’s simple to prepare, adaptable to what you have on hand, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug on a cold day. I really hope you give it a try—it’s one of those meals that once you make it, you’ll want to keep coming back to for both the heartiness and the happiness it brings to the table.

I absolutely love this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe because it’s the perfect cozy meal that also happens to be healthy and packed with flavor. When the weather starts to get chilly, nothing beats coming home to a warm bowl of chili that’s hearty but not heavy—plus, the sweet potatoes add this lovely natural sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.

What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can make it in a slow cooker and have it ready just in time for dinner, or simmer it on the stove if you’re short on time. You’ll find that the combination of lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and that special seasoning blend makes it comforting without any guilt. Trust me, your family and friends will ask for seconds!

❣️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavors: The sweet potatoes perfectly counterbalance the chili spices for a delicious, well-rounded taste.
Lean and Healthy: Using ground turkey keeps this chili lighter but still satisfying and protein-packed.
Slow Cooker Friendly: Set it and forget it; perfect for busy days and meal prepping.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this chili, and it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies.

A close-up of a white round pot filled with thick chili stew showing three layers: a dark red tomato-based sauce with a slightly shiny, liquid texture as the base layer, a mix of cooked ground meat and kidney beans in dark red and brown colors as the middle layer, and scattered pieces of yellow corn, green bell peppers, and orange sweet potatoes as the top colorful chunky layer. A metal ladle with a long handle is scooping up the chili, holding a mix of all layers with the bright colors and textures clearly visible. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to build layers of flavor and texture in this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe. You’ll want to pick fresh produce for the best outcome, and keep an eye out for the right spice blends to get that perfect kick.

Chili powder: Provides the classic chili flavor; choose a good quality one for richer taste.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that balances the heat from the peppers.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it but adjust to your taste.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth that elevates the chili.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little extra bite.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
Dried oregano: Adds a mild herbiness that complements the other spices.
Extra virgin olive oil: For browning the turkey and adding richness.
Lean ground turkey: Use 92-97% lean for the healthiest, juiciest chili.
Petite diced tomatoes: Choose canned for convenience and consistent flavor.
Tomato sauce and paste: These thicken the chili and bring concentrated tomato flavor.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chili moist and adds savory depth without extra salt.
Sweet potato: Peel and dice fresh sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and texture.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aroma.
Green bell pepper: For color and a subtle crunch.
Corn (canned or frozen): Brings a little pop of sweetness that pairs well with the spices.
Kidney beans: Adds protein and fiber while making the chili more filling.
Jalapeño: Minced with seeds removed for controlled heat—adjust to your spice tolerance.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

Spice it up: Adding more jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne makes it great for those who love heat—I’ve done this on game nights and everyone loved it.
Vegetarian version: Swap the turkey for extra beans and mushrooms to keep it hearty without meat.
Different veggies: Try adding chopped carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Slow cooker vs stovetop: If you’re short on time, stovetop cooking works too—just simmer a bit longer to get the sweet potatoes tender.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Step 1: Mix up that flavorful seasoning blend