Our family absolutely adores this Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili, and it’s become a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation, especially when the weather starts to cool down. The first time I made it, I was a little skeptical that something with so few “official” ingredients could pack such a flavorful punch, but I was wonderfully mistaken! My kids, who can be notoriously picky, gobbled it up without a second thought, even asking for seconds. The sweetness from the sweet potatoes perfectly balances the savory turkey and the warm chili spices, creating a comforting and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, but light enough that you don’t feel weighed down. What I love most is the simplicity – minimal chopping, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor. It truly feels like a hug in a bowl, and the vibrant colors make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Plus, knowing it’s packed with wholesome ingredients makes me feel great about serving it. It’s a winner all around!

Why This Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Will Be Your New Favorite

In a world where time is precious and healthy eating is a priority, finding recipes that are both quick and nutritious can feel like striking gold. This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is precisely that – a culinary gem. It brilliantly showcases how a few well-chosen ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with nutrients, and incredibly easy to make.

The magic lies in its simplicity. We’re focusing on five core power-packed ingredients that do the heavy lifting, supported by a few pantry staples you likely already have on hand. This approach not only makes grocery shopping a breeze but also significantly cuts down on prep time.

But don’t let the “5-ingredient” tag fool you into thinking it’s short on taste. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes melds beautifully with the lean, savory ground turkey. The diced tomatoes (especially if you opt for fire-roasted or those with green chilies) add a lovely tang and depth, while a good quality chili powder brings the warmth and signature chili essence. Chicken or turkey broth ties it all together, creating a luscious, comforting consistency.

This chili isn’t just about taste and convenience; it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Ground turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for various dietary needs. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a kid-approved weeknight meal, a health-conscious individual seeking a satisfying post-workout meal, or simply someone who loves a good bowl of chili without the fuss, this recipe is for you.

Complete Recipe: Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly delicious and easy chili. We’re highlighting the 5 core ingredients, plus a few essential pantry staples that elevate the flavor.

The Core 5 Ingredients:

Ground Turkey: 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93/7 or leaner recommended)
Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium (about 1.5 lbs or 680g total), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz / 794g) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted or with green chilies for extra flavor)
Chili Powder: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference)
Chicken or Turkey Broth: 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (vegetable broth can also be used)

Pantry Staples & Flavor Enhancers (Highly Recommended):

Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 1 tablespoon
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (optional, but adds depth)
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (optional, for smokiness)
Salt: ¾ teaspoon, or to taste
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
Optional for Garnish: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream/Greek yogurt, avocado, lime wedges.

Instructions: Step-by-Step to Chili Perfection

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Sweet Potato Turkey Chili:

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
Spice it Up: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin (if using), smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper over the turkey and onions. Stir well to coat everything and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and become fragrant. This step is crucial for building deep flavor.
Add Core Ingredients: Add the diced sweet potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken or turkey broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
Simmer to Meld Flavors: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, taste the chili. Adjust seasonings as needed – you might want more chili powder for heat, a pinch more salt to enhance flavors, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness (if using).
Rest (Optional but Recommended): If you have the time, let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even further.
Serve Hot: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.
Calories per serving (approximate): 300-380 calories.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used (e.g., fat content of turkey, exact size of sweet potatoes, sodium in broth and canned tomatoes) and any additional toppings.

This chili is a fantastic source of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (includes chopping onion, garlic, and peeling/dicing sweet potatoes)
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes (includes browning turkey and simmering)
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes

This makes it an excellent choice for a relatively quick weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.

How to Serve This Delicious Chili

Serving this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is all about customization and making it your own! Here are some fantastic ways to present and enjoy it:

Classic Bowl with Toppings: This is the most popular way. Ladle into bowls and set up a “toppings bar” so everyone can customize their serving.
- Dairy/Creamy:
  - Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese
  - A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (a healthier, high-protein alternative)
  - Crumbled cotija cheese
- Fresh & Zesty:
  - Chopped fresh cilantro
  - Diced green onions or chives
  - A squeeze of fresh lime juice (brightens all the flavors!)
  - Diced avocado or a spoonful of guacamole
  - Pickled or fresh jalapeño slices for extra heat
  - Diced red onion for a sharp bite
- Crunchy:
  - Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips (like Fritos)
  - Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Over Grains: For an even heartier meal, serve the chili over:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Quinoa
- Cooked farro
With a Side of Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of delicious sauce.
- Warm cornbread (a classic chili pairing!)
- Crusty bread rolls
- Flour or corn tortillas
Chili Bar for Parties: If you’re hosting, make a big batch and let guests build their own chili bowls. This is always a hit for game days or casual gatherings.
Loaded Baked Potatoes: Split open a large baked regular potato or sweet potato and generously top it with the chili and your favorite fixings.
As a Meal Prep Component: Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.

Additional Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Don’t Skip Toasting the Spices: Adding the chili powder and other spices directly to the browned turkey and onions (before the liquids) and cooking for a minute or two really “blooms” their flavor, making your chili much more aromatic and complex.
Sweet Potato Size Matters: Dice your sweet potatoes into roughly uniform ½-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate. If they’re too large, they’ll take longer to cook; too small, and they might turn mushy.
Control the Heat: The amount of chili powder will dictate the primary heat level. For a milder chili, start with 2 tablespoons. For more kick, use 3 tablespoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the onions. You can always add more spice, but you can’t easily take it away!
Make it Ahead for Even Better Flavor: Like many stews and chilis, this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld and deepen. So, if you can, make it a day in advance, cool it completely, store it in the refrigerator, and then gently reheat it.
Freezer-Friendly Meal: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, healthy meal.

FAQ: Your Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground chicken would be a very similar substitute. Lean ground beef (like 90/10) would also work well, though it will have a slightly richer, beefier flavor and potentially more fat (drain it well). For a vegetarian version, you could omit the meat and add an extra can of beans (like black beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained) and perhaps some extra diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Q2: Can I add beans to this chili?
A2: Yes, definitely! While this recipe focuses on the “5-ingredient” concept without beans, adding a can (15 oz) of rinsed and drained black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans would be a delicious and fiber-boosting addition. Add them along with the sweet potatoes and broth. This will make the chili even heartier.

Q3: Is this chili very spicy? How can I adjust the spice level?
A3: As written with 2-3 tablespoons of standard chili powder, this chili has a mild to medium warmth. To make it spicier, you can:
* Use a “hot” chili powder blend.
* Add a pinch (or more) of cayenne pepper.
* Include a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper (with seeds for more heat, without for less) when you sauté the onions.
* Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
To make it milder, use only 1.5-2 tablespoons of a mild chili powder and ensure your diced tomatoes don’t contain added chilies (like Ro*Tel).

Q4: How long will this chili last in the refrigerator?
A4: Stored properly in an airtight container, this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s cooled down before refrigerating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Q5: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A5: Yes, this recipe is adaptable!
* Slow Cooker: Brown the turkey with onions, garlic, and spices on the stovetop first (this step develops crucial flavor). Then, transfer the browned turkey mixture and all remaining ingredients (sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broth) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
* Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function to brown the turkey with onions, garlic, and spices. Turn off “Sauté.” Add the sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and broth. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode at high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure.

This Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is more than just a recipe; it’s a template for delicious, healthy, and stress-free cooking. Enjoy making it your own!

Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe