Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a cozy and hearty one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey, naturally sweet tender sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and warming spices. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this nutritious chili is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a comforting, flavor-rich dinner that’s easy to make and adaptable to your dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can beans (optional, such as black or kidney beans), drained and rinsed
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic so they’re ready to sauté, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
- Brown the Ground Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles, about 5-7 minutes, creating a savory base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the turkey. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, building depth of flavor.
- Add Spices and Sweet Potatoes: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring well to evenly coat the mixture. Add the diced sweet potatoes and stir to cover them with spices, adding warmth and sweetness.
- Pour in Liquids and Simmer: Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- (Optional) Add Beans and Final Seasoning: If using beans, stir them in about 10 minutes before the chili is done to heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier, lighter chili texture.
- Simmer the chili low and slow to develop richer flavors and perfectly soften sweet potatoes.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture.
- Use fresh chili powder and cumin for improved flavor and aroma.
- If chili is too watery, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: turkey chili, sweet potato chili, one-pot dinner, healthy chili, gluten-free chili, lean protein meal, comforting soup, easy weeknight dinner