Okay, let’s dive into a truly soul-satisfying dish that has become an absolute staple in my household: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. I remember the first time I whipped this up. It was a chilly autumn evening, the kind that just begs for something warm and comforting. I was looking for a healthier twist on classic chili, something packed with nutrients but without sacrificing that rich, hearty flavor we all crave. My family, initially a bit skeptical about “healthy chili,” were absolutely blown away. The kids devoured it, my partner asked for seconds (and then thirds!), and the aroma that filled our home was simply divine. The subtle sweetness of the sweet potatoes combined with the savory ground turkey and the smoky, earthy spices creates a symphony of flavors that is both complex and incredibly approachable. It’s become our go-to for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and even for impressing guests. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as good for you as it tastes, and I’m thrilled to share my perfected version with you.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

This recipe is designed to be flavorful, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients. The quantities below will yield a generous batch, perfect for a family meal with leftovers or for meal prepping.

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Ground Turkey: 1.5 pounds (preferably 93% lean or leaner)
Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
Bell Peppers: 2 large, any color (e.g., one red, one green), chopped (about 2 cups)
Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons)
Sweet Potatoes: 2 large (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (about 4-5 cups)
Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), undrained (fire-roasted if available, for extra flavor)
Tomato Paste: 3 tablespoons
Kidney Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: 2 to 3 cups (low sodium preferred)
Chili Powder: 3 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference)
Ground Cumin: 1.5 tablespoons
Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper: ¼ to ½ teaspoon (optional, for heat, adjust to taste)
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 teaspoon (optional, for depth of flavor)
Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon (optional, adds warmth)
Salt: 1.5 teaspoons (or to taste)
Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a batch of chili that will warm you from the inside out. The key is to build layers of flavor at each step.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot with the softened vegetables. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. If there’s excessive fat, carefully drain it off.
Add Garlic and Spices (Bloom): Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step, known as “blooming” the spices, enhances their flavor significantly.
Incorporate Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes more, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This deepens the tomato flavor.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced sweet potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained kidney beans, rinsed and drained black beans, cocoa powder, and cinnamon (if using). Pour in 2 cups of the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chili becomes too thick for your liking during simmering, add the remaining cup of broth (or more, a little at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.
Season and Adjust: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, taste the chili. Add salt and black pepper as needed. You can also adjust other seasonings at this point – perhaps a bit more chili powder for intensity or cayenne for heat.
Rest (Optional but Recommended): If you have the time, let the chili rest off the heat for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and meld even further. Chili often tastes even better the next day!
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Set up a garnish bar with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, and lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Understanding the nutritional profile of your meals is key to a balanced diet. The following information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact quantities, and optional additions.

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 generous servings.
Calories per serving: Approximately 380-450 calories.

Breakdown per serving (estimated):

Protein: 25-30g (Excellent source from turkey and beans)
Fat: 10-15g (Mainly from olive oil and turkey, can be lower with leaner turkey)
Saturated Fat: 2-4g
Carbohydrates: 45-55g
Fiber: 10-15g (Fantastic source from sweet potatoes, beans, and vegetables)
Sugar: 8-12g (Mostly natural sugars from sweet potatoes and tomatoes)
Sodium: Varies based on broth and added salt, but with low-sodium broth and controlled salt, it can be around 600-800mg.

This chili is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a great balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. The sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, while the beans and vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals.

Preparation & Cook Time

Knowing how long a recipe takes from start to finish helps with meal planning.

Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes. This includes chopping vegetables, peeling and dicing sweet potatoes, measuring spices, and opening cans.
- Tip: You can save time by using pre-chopped onions and peppers, or by prepping your vegetables a day in advance and storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. This includes browning the turkey, sautéing vegetables, and the crucial simmering period for the flavors to develop and sweet potatoes to cook through.
- Note: For an even deeper flavor, you can simmer the chili for longer, up to 2 hours, on very low heat, adding more broth if it becomes too thick.
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.

This makes it a feasible option for a weeknight dinner if you start relatively early, or a perfect, leisurely cooking project for the weekend.

How to Serve Your Delicious Chili

Serving this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is half the fun! It’s a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down. Here are some fantastic ways to present and enjoy it:

Classic Bowl with Toppings:
- Ladle generously into individual bowls.
- Set up a “toppings bar” so everyone can customize their bowl. Popular choices include:
  - Dairy/Creamy: Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), Monterey Jack, crumbled Cotija, a dollop of sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt (a healthier, tangy alternative).
  - Fresh & Green: Chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions (scallions), diced fresh jalapeños (for an extra kick), diced avocado.
  - Crunchy: Crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, or oyster crackers.
  - Zesty: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating brightens all the flavors.
Over Grains or Starches:
- Serve over a bed of fluffy brown rice or quinoa for an even heartier and more nutrient-dense meal.
- For a truly comforting experience, ladle it over a baked russet potato or even a baked sweet potato (double sweet potato goodness!).
- Enjoy with a side of warm cornbread (classic!), crusty bread, or biscuits for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Chili Bar for Gatherings:
- If serving a crowd, keep the chili warm in a slow cooker on the “low” or “warm” setting.
- Arrange all the toppings in separate small bowls with serving spoons. This makes for an interactive and fun meal for parties or game days.
Creative Leftover Ideas:
- Chili Cheese Fries: Use it as a topping for baked French fries or sweet potato fries, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Chili Stuffed Peppers: Halve bell peppers, scoop out seeds, fill with leftover chili, top with cheese, and bake until peppers are tender.
- Chili Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with chili and cheese, then bake until melty.
- Chili Mac: Mix with cooked macaroni pasta for a hearty chili mac and cheese.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant colors of the chili and toppings make for an appealing presentation.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Chili

Elevate your chili game with these five pro tips:

Roast Your Sweet Potatoes: For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly different texture, try roasting the diced sweet potatoes before adding them to the chili. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Add them to the chili during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. This prevents them from getting too mushy and adds a lovely roasted sweetness.
Spice Level Customization: Don’t be afraid to play with the heat! If you love spicy food, add a pinch more cayenne, include a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper (with seeds for more heat, without for less) when you sauté the onions and bell peppers, or stir in a teaspoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. Conversely, if you’re sensitive to spice, omit the cayenne pepper entirely or reduce the chili powder slightly.
The “Secret” Ingredients: The optional cocoa powder and cinnamon might sound unusual, but they are classic additions in some chili recipes for a reason. Unsweetened cocoa powder adds an incredible depth and richness (without making it taste like chocolate), while a tiny pinch of cinnamon provides a subtle warmth that complements the other spices beautifully. Don’t overdo them – a little goes a long way.
Make-Ahead Magic: Chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Consider making it a day in advance if you’re planning for a gathering or want an easy reheat meal. It also freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Deglaze for Flavor: After browning the turkey and before adding liquids, if you notice any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (fond), deglaze the pot. Add a splash of your broth (or even a little red wine if you have some open) and scrape up those bits with a wooden spoon. This fond is packed with flavor and will incorporate beautifully into your chili.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:

Q: Can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
- A: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground turkey and increase the quantity of beans (perhaps add a can of pinto beans or cannellini beans) and/or add more vegetables like diced zucchini, corn, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, follow the vegetarian modifications and ensure all your toppings (like cheese or sour cream) are plant-based alternatives.
Q: Can I use different ground meat?
- A: Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for good flavor, drain excess fat), ground chicken, or even ground bison. Each will lend a slightly different flavor profile to the chili. If using fattier meat, be sure to drain off the excess grease after browning.
Q: How long will this chili last in the refrigerator?
- A: Properly stored in an airtight container, this chili will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker/crockpot?
- A: Yes, this chili adapts wonderfully to the slow cooker. Brown the turkey with the onions, bell peppers, and garlic on the stovetop as directed (this step is crucial for flavor). Then, transfer the browned turkey mixture and all remaining ingredients (you might be able to use slightly less broth, start with 1.5-2 cups) to your slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Q: Is this chili spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
- A: As written, with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, the chili has a mild to moderate warmth. The level of spiciness largely depends on your chili powder brand as well (some are spicier than others). To make it milder, omit the cayenne pepper completely. To make it spicier, increase the cayenne, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, include a diced hot pepper like jalapeño (with seeds for more heat) when sautéing the aromatics, or serve with hot sauce on the side. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go.

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is more than just a recipe; it’s a template for a comforting, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying meal. The balance of savory turkey, sweet potatoes, hearty beans, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly different. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as its flavors only improve over time, making it an excellent choice for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply craving a wholesome bowl of goodness, this chili is sure to hit the spot and become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection too. Enjoy every spoonful!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe