If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that bursts with flavor and nutrition, Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is exactly what you need. This vibrant chili combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes and a rich tomato base, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. The blend of spices adds warmth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and the tender turkey makes it a lighter alternative to traditional chili without sacrificing taste. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that warms you from the inside out.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing a unique element that balances taste, texture, and color. From the sweetness of the potatoes to the savory depth of the turkey and spices, your pantry essentials come alive here.

Olive oil: The base for sautéing adds a mild fruitiness and helps meld flavors together.

Sweet onion: Diced finely, it offers a subtle natural sweetness and softness that enhances the chili’s body.
Garlic cloves: Minced for an aromatic punch that elevates every spoonful.

Ground turkey: A lean, protein-packed alternative to beef that keeps the chili hearty without heaviness.
Petite diced tomatoes (canned): Brings a juicy texture and vibrant acidity to balance the sweetness.

Tomato sauce: Adds a rich, smooth tomato flavor that thickens the chili perfectly.
Chicken broth: Introduces a savory depth and helps achieve the ideal chili consistency.
Large sweet potato: Cubed for tender, sweet bites that contrast the spice and meat beautifully.

Chili powder: The heart of the seasoning, providing warmth and a little complexity.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky touch without needing a grill.
Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, it complements the chili powder for authentic flavor layers.

Granulated sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potato.
Frozen corn: A pop of sweetness and texture that freshens the chili near the end of cooking.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to tie all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced sweet onion and minced garlic to sauté until fragrant and the onions soften, about one to two minutes. This step is crucial because it forms the flavor foundation for your chili, awakening the senses and preparing the pot for the hearty turkey to come.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart gently with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of salt and black pepper. Cook until the turkey loses its pink color and begins to brown lightly. Properly cooking the turkey here ensures a savory and juicy meat texture that intertwines beautifully with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Spices, and Sweet Potatoes

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth—these liquids will create a luscious chili base. Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes alongside chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften until fork-tender. This simmering stage melds the spices thoroughly while tenderizing the sweet potatoes, making every bite comforting and flavorful.

Step 4: Add Corn and Adjust Seasoning

Last but not least, add the frozen corn to the pot. Turn heat up to medium-high once again and cook until the chili reaches a gentle boil. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. This final burst of sweetness and crunch from the corn adds contrast and brightness, elevating the overall dish.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Garnishes

Presentation is where your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili really shines. Top individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright herbal note, a handful of shredded cheddar cheese melting on top for richness, or a few slices of creamy avocado to add luscious texture and balance the chili’s warmth. These garnishes create layers of flavor and a feast for the eyes.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, tortilla chips for scooping, or even a crisp green salad to lighten the meal. The side choices complement the chili’s hearty character without overshadowing its vibrant profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Serve the Turkey Sweet Potato Chili over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling twist or use it as a topping for baked sweet potatoes or nachos. For a casual gathering, ladle the chili into small bread bowls for an edible and impressive presentation that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, let any leftovers cool before transferring them into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the chili will keep for up to four days, making for an easy and satisfying meal on busy days.

Freezing

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili freezes beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it gently over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave single servings, stirring halfway to heat evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a lean substitute but may have a milder flavor, so consider adding an extra pinch of spices to maintain that rich taste.

What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika on hand?

If smoked paprika is unavailable, regular paprika or a small amount of chipotle powder can add a smoky kick, but start with less to avoid overpowering the dish.

Is this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili spicy?

This chili leans toward mild warmth rather than intense heat, making it approachable for all palates. You can adjust the chili powder amount or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer more spice.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with hearty beans like black or kidney beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked?

The sweet potatoes should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. Usually, 15 minutes of simmering is enough, but you can test by poking a cube occasionally.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something special about a warm bowl of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili that comforts and nourishes in every spoonful. Its perfect balance of flavors, wholesome ingredients, and ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this dish and see just how simple and delicious healthy comfort food can be!

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Turkey Sweet Potato Chili featuring lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and a blend of warming spices. This wholesome chili is perfect for a comforting meal and garnished with fresh cilantro, cheddar cheese, and avocado slices for extra texture and taste.

Instructions

Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Cook turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up to prevent clumps. Season with a pinch or two of salt and pepper. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink and mostly cooked through.
Add liquids and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let the chili simmer for about 15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Add corn and finish cooking: Stir in the frozen corn and increase heat to medium-high until the chili comes to a boil again. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Serve and garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced avocado as desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.

For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
This chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that balances the savory chili spices perfectly.

Adding avocado last ensures it stays fresh and creamy without cooking down.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 9g

Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g

Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 5g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: turkey chili, sweet potato chili, healthy chili, ground turkey recipe, winter soup, easy chili recipe