Turkey Sweet Potato Chili: A Hearty, Healthy One-Pot Meal for Any Season

Name: Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 sweet onion, diced; 5–7 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground turkey; 28 oz canned petite diced tomatoes; 16 oz canned tomato sauce; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 large sweet potato, cubed (about 12 oz); 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 cup frozen corn; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional garnishes: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 sliced avocados

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a cozy, flavorful twist on classic chili? This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a lighter, bean-free version packed with savory ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and bold spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. Whether you’re embracing fall comfort food or need a high-protein, gluten-free meal, this chili checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

This turkey sweet potato chili recipe offers all the comfort of traditional chili with a wholesome, slightly sweet spin. The natural sugars from the sweet potatoes balance out the spicy, smoky chili flavors, creating a rich, hearty stew that’s perfect for families, picky eaters, or health-conscious foodies.

• Quick and Easy: One pot, 30 minutes, minimal cleanup
• Healthy and Nourishing: Lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for batch cooking and meal prep
• Customizable: Easily adapted for dietary needs or preferences

What You’ll Need for This Flavor-Packed Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean and light, it forms the savory base of the dish
• Sweet Potatoes: Adds natural sweetness and a soft, creamy texture
• Onion (Sweet or White): Builds flavor depth with mild sharpness
• Garlic: Intensifies the savory notes—fresh garlic is best
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings acidity and chunkiness to the chili base
• Tomato Sauce: Thickens the broth and adds a tangy tomato flavor
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base; use low-sodium if preferred
• Chili Powder: The key spice for that signature chili kick
• Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor
• Ground Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, balancing the chili powder
• Frozen Corn: Adds pops of sweetness and color
• Sugar: Just a touch enhances the tomato and sweet potato flavors
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and flavor enhancement

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Flexibility

Not everyone has every ingredient on hand. Here’s how to modify your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili without losing its magic:

• Ground Chicken or Beef: Substitute for turkey if preferred
• Vegetable Broth: Swap for chicken broth for a vegetarian base
• Canned Beans: Add black or kidney beans for extra fiber and bulk
• Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow for added crunch and nutrition
• Butternut Squash: A sweet potato alternative with similar texture
• No Corn? Use zucchini or leave it out entirely

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili: Step-by-Step Guide

Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Brown the Turkey
Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
Add Core Ingredients
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cubed sweet potatoes. Mix well.
Season and Simmer
Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Add Corn and Final Touches
Stir in frozen corn. Cook for a few more minutes on medium-high heat until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings—cheddar cheese, avocado slices, cilantro, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Secrets to a Perfect Bowl of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

• Evenly Cut Sweet Potatoes: 1-inch cubes cook evenly and soak up the chili flavors
• Don’t Skip the Salt: It enhances the natural sweetness and spice balance
• Simmer Slowly: This develops deeper flavor and thicker consistency
• Meal Prep Bonus: Tastes even better the next day as spices intensify
• Double the Batch: Freeze half for quick future meals—perfect for busy weeks

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili isn’t just dinner—it’s a full experience when paired with the right sides and toppings.

Pair It With:
• Skillet Cornbread or Buttermilk Biscuits
• Fall Harvest Salad with apples and nuts
• Warm crusty bread or honey butter rolls
• Tortilla chips for crunch and dipping

Toppings to Elevate:
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Diced avocado for creaminess
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Jalapeños for extra heat
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime wedges for brightness

Storage Tips:
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in fridge
• Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stove over medium heat

Make It Your Own: Variations Worth Trying

• Spicy Kick: Add diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or lentils
• Veggie-Packed: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach at the end
• Tex-Mex Style: Serve over rice or quinoa with a dollop of salsa
• Low Carb Version: Use cauliflower in place of sweet potatoes

Why Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is more than just a cold-weather comfort dish. Its nutritional profile—high in protein, low in fat, loaded with fiber-rich veggies—makes it a year-round staple. The balance of sweetness, spice, and heartiness satisfies both healthy eaters and comfort food lovers alike.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this chili delivers. With endless ways to customize and garnish, it’s never the same bowl twice—yet always delicious.

Cook it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for this flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish.

Wrapping Up: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili — it’s wholesome, hearty, and incredibly flavorful without being heavy. This dish brings together the warmth of traditional chili with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the lean protein of turkey, creating a well-balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or slow Sunday suppers.

With its short prep time, easy substitutions, and freezer-friendly perks, this chili is a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to over and over again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting and nourishing, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili fits the bill perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

1. Can I make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! First, brown the ground turkey and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet. Then transfer everything — including sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and spices — to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.

2. Is this chili good for meal prep and freezing?

Yes! Turkey Sweet Potato Chili stores beautifully. Let it cool, then refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier.

3. Can I add beans or other vegetables?

Definitely. This recipe is flexible. Add black beans, pinto beans, or red kidney beans for extra fiber. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are also great veggie additions — just adjust broth and spices accordingly if you add volume.

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