Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Make a classic recipe even BETTER with this healthy Turkey Sweet Potato Chili– It’s the BEST recipe to cozy up with all Fall and Winter long! Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn are cooked to sweet and spicy perfection for a hearty family-friendly dish to serve on game day, or freeze for busy weeknights!

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (1)

Favorite Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe

To say this sweet potato turkey chili recipe is one of my family’s favorites would be a massive understatement.

In fact, it is THE dish I often recommend to friends when they are looking for an easy, healthy, and filling dinner to feed picky eaters during the Fall and Winter months.

This healthy chili recipe also makes enough to feed a small crowd and even freezes exceptionally well!

The delicious chili flavors meld together beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the potatoes. So it truly gets even better as leftovers.

What exactly is it that makes this ground turkey chili so exceptional?

Well if you haven’t already noticed, it’s full of sweet potatoes!

Yes.I said sweet potatoes- it’s what MAKES the BEST turkey chili recipe you’ve ever had.

Throw in some canned black beans and a little corn (you’ve got to trust me again!) and it’s like you have a hearty chili mixed with delightful Mexican cuisine flavors that are out-of-this-world delicious!

Want more classic chili recipes? Make sure you check out these Instant Pot Beef Chili and Instant Pot Turkey Chili recipes.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (2)

Ingredients

The ingredients you need to make this healthy turkey chili recipe include:

  • Ground Turkey. A rather lean, 93/7 blend, is recommended when making this chili.You get enough fat to have some flavor but it’s still lean enough to not add too many calories.Ground beef, chicken, or even venison may also be substituted.
  • Sweet Potatoes. Two to three medium-sized sweet potatoes will be needed in order to give you 4 cups.Read more information below about the best way to prepare the sweet potatoes for this recipe.
  • Tomatoes. One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes makes up the bulk of the sauce part in this recipe. It’s not recommended to substitute with tomato sauce or marinara sauce.
  • Seasonings. There are quite a few herbs and spices that comprise the authentic chili flavors found in this dish. If you have either a store bought chili seasoning mix or you’ve already made your own homemade chili seasoning, feel free to substitute with that!
  • Corn. Canned sweet kernel corn is used but frozen corn that has been thawed may also be substituted.
  • Beans. Black beans pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the potatoes and the corn. However, you can also try out red kidney beans or even white navy beans for a little variety.

How to Make

The basic steps for making sweet potato turkey chili are simple to follow:

  1. Drizzle olive oil into a Dutch oven and toss in the onions and garlic.

    Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. You can also use a large pot. Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (3)

  2. Push onions to the side and add the ground turkey.

    Continue cooking over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, or until turkey is almost cooked through. Crumble cooked turkey using a potato masher. Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (4)

  3. Mix in the sweet potatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes.

    You want them to just begin to soften.Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (5)

  4. Pour crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and seasoning ingredients into the chili mixture.

    Combine chili thoroughly and reduce to low heat. Cover pot with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes.Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (6)

  5. Rinse and drain the corn and black beans and stir into the chili.

    Cover and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (7)

  6. Serve and enjoy!

    Make sure to check to see if the sweet potatoes are fork-tender before serving. Pair with corn tortilla chips, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (8)

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

For this particular recipe you will need to peel and then cut the sweet potatoes into cubes.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (9)

You can choose to leave the skin on for a bit of added fiber.But do know, the skin tends to separate from the potatoes after a prolonged amount of time cooking. The best and easiest way to peel potatoes is to use a potato peeler. You can also carefully remove the skin with relatively sharp paring knife.

Once they are peeled, cut the potatoes into ½-inch cubes. If you cut them any bigger than this they will not cook up fully.Smaller cubes will get mushy instead of keeping their shape in the chili.

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Chili Seasoning

As you can see in the recipe card, there are quite a few spices and dried herbs that are needed in this chili recipe. Most of them are pretty common and can be found at your local grocery store.

  • Chili Powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Paprika – You can try a mix of regular and smoked for a more smokey flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper – To taste.
  • Cinnamon – This adds a subtle earthy note that is incredible!

Learn how to make homemade chili seasoning to use in future recipes!

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Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: Since the flavors get better with time, this makes a great make-ahead meal.
  • To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • To Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 5-6 months.
  • To Reheat: Add back to a saucepan or skillet and cook until heated through.

FAQs

How can I thicken up chili?

If you would like a slightly thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes to help thicken it up.

Do I have to add the corn?

The corn can be optional and you can choose to leave it out completely or replace it with more beans.

Does chili freeze well?

Much like other soups and stews, chili freezes exceptionally well. To freeze simply place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 5-6 months.

What is the best secret ingredient for chili?

Ground spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon add a beautiful flavor. Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or liquid smoke are also great options.

Can I make this in a Crock-Pot?

To change this into a slow cooker recipe simply sauté the onions and turkey in a saucepan until cooked through.Add to a 6-quart slow Crock-Pot along with the other ingredients on High for 2-3 hours, or until sweet potatoes are cooked through.

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Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Go homemade. Mixing up your own chili seasoning mix allows you to adjust to your taste preferences.
  • Dress it up. Serve alongside tortilla chips, sour cream, and cilantro for a Mexican chili flair.
  • Take it slow. Cook this chili in a slow cooker and keep it warm until dinnertime.
  • Prep it. Make extra and store the rest for easy freezer meals.
  • Add more flavor. Experiment with different spices and sauces to change the flavor profile.

More Sweet Potato Recipes

If you love this sweeter spud in savory dishes, then you’ve got to check out these Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato au Gratin, and Skillet Sweet Potatoes next!

Like it on the sweeter side? Try these Hasselback Sweet Potatoes and this classic Sweet Potato Casserole.

Other Chili Recipes

When comfort food calls, chili is there to cozy up with. In addition to this turkey sweet potato chili, try these easy recipes:

Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili and Instant Pot Beef Chili are both so quick to make!

Pumpkin Chili and Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili both have unique flavors.

Or spring for unique twists on the classic with Whole30 Chili and Brisket Chili.

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 34 votes

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Make a classic recipe even BETTER with this healthy Sweet Potato Turkey Chili– a quick and cozy meal that is PERFECT for Fall weather and game days.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (13)

Yield 6 servings

Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 35 minutes mins

Total 50 minutes mins

Print Pin Comment

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 small sweet onion coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 lb. ground turkey 93/7 or 90/10
  • 4 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. paprika can use smoked paprika if you prefer
  • 2 tsp. salt to taste
  • ¾ tsp. pepper
  • tsp. cinnamon
  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 15 oz. sweet whole kernel corn canned, drained
  • 15 oz. black beans canned, drained
  • Tortilla chips optional
  • Cilantro optional
  • Sour cream optional
  • Cheese optional

Instructions

  • Saute Onions: In a large saucepan, or Dutch oven, drizzle olive oil. Add onions and garlic. Saute over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

    2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 small sweet onion, 2 cloves garlic

  • Cook Turkey and Sweet Potatoes: Push onions to the side and add ground turkey. Continue cooking over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, or until turkey is almost cooked through. Crumble cooked turkey using a potato masher. Add sweet potatoes and saute for another 2 minutes.

    1 lb. ground turkey, 4 cups sweet potatoes

  • Mix Chili Seasonings: In a small bowl combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper. (You can also use 3 tablespoons of a homemade chili seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.) Mix to combine.

    2 Tbsp. chili powder, 2 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. paprika, 2 tsp. salt, ¾ tsp. pepper, ⅛ tsp. cinnamon

  • Pour in Tomatoes, Broth, and Cook: Pour crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and seasoning ingredients into the chili mixture. Mix chili thoroughly and reduce heat to low. Cover pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

    28 oz. crushed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth

  • Add Corn and Beans: Mix in drained corn and black beans. Cover and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check to see if sweet potatoes are fork-tender before serving. If you would like a slightly thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes to help thicken it up.

    15 oz. sweet whole kernel corn, 15 oz. black beans

  • Serve chili over rice with corn chips, cilantro and sour cream.

    Tortilla chips, Cilantro, Sour cream, Cheese

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 34 votes

Video

Notes

  • To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • To Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 5-6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 1128mg, Potassium: 1372mg, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 14769IU, Vitamin C: 19mg, Calcium: 138mg, Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

Categorized as:
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Fat, Main Dishes, Nut-Free, , Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, Soy-Free, Whole30

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Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

How do you reheat turkey chili? ›

Leftover turkey chili will keep in the fridge for about 5 days. It can also be frozen for about two months. Thaw and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to thicken up white chicken chili? ›

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate.

How to simmer chili? ›

Add diced tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, beans, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, pepper, paprika, cumin and cayenne. Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, then reduce the heat and simmer over medium-low heat for at least one hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Five Tips for Better Chili
  • Make Your Own Chili Powder. Okay, if you're using a store-bought shaker of “chili powder” please get up from your computer, walk to your pantry, and throw it away. ...
  • Use Beans from a Bag, Not from a Can. ...
  • Roast your Chiles. ...
  • Vary your Meat. ...
  • A Hoppy Bottle of Beer Brings it all Together. ...
  • Chili Powder.
Nov 29, 2016

What to eat with turkey chili? ›

What to serve with this turkey chili
  • The Best Guacamole You'll Ever Eat.
  • Tortilla Chip-Crusted Baked Jalapeño Poppers.
  • Vegan Jalapeño Butternut Squash Queso.
  • Caramelized Garlic Carrots with Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce.
  • Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Jan 31, 2024

Can you leave turkey chili out overnight? ›

“If the chili is not in a slow cooker that is on 'low' or 'keep warm,' it will need to follow the two-hour rule,” Carothers says. “When perishable foods are in the 'danger zone,' when the temperature range is between 40 to 140 degrees, foodborne-illness bacteria can reach dangerous levels after two hours.”

Does turkey chili taste different than beef chili? ›

Turkey chili has many of the same ingredients as beef chili — crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, a little chili powder – but the lower fat in the turkey gives the chili a more tomato taste.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Ideally, chili should simmer low and slow. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency and deeper, more complex flavor as the aromatics and spices release their superpowers.

Does tomato paste thicken chili? ›

Not only will tomato paste add a tangy flavor to the dish, but it will also act as a thickening agent. For this purpose, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato paste. Add 1 can of the paste to your pot of chili, stir the mixture, and let it cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

Using Cornmeal to Thicken Chili

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.

Does chili taste better the longer you simmer it? ›

Not Cooking It Long Enough

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili.

Do you simmer with the lid on or off? ›

You can simmer with the cookware lid on or off, simply follow your recipe instructions. Keep in mind that when using a cover, you'll want to set your stovetop to a low setting as it can reach a simmer faster than without a cap. When you're not using a lid, adjust your stovetop setting to medium.

Can I let chili simmer all day? ›

If you have time to make it the day before or early in the day and can let it simmer all day, your chili will go from good to AMAZING. Simmering all day allows the meat, beans, and onions to soften and the flavors to meld together. There's just no substitution for chili that is cooked low and slow all day!

How do you fix chili that has no flavor? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

How do you balance chili flavors? ›

Balance with Sweetness: Counterbalance chili pepper heat with sweetness. A touch of honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar can soften the fiery punch while adding depth to the dish. Acidity for Balance: Acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or tomatoes help balance the heat by cutting through the spiciness.

What is the most flavorful meat for chili? ›

The best meat for chili depends on the type you're making, but professionals generally use a combination of ground chuck, brisket, short ribs, or diced tri-tip sirloin mixed with bacon and sausage to layer multiple textures and flavors.

How do you get the flavor out of chili? ›

Turns out, the fiery chemical in hot chilis, capsaicin, likes to bind itself onto a compound in milk, which neutralizes the burn. Add a generous dollop of sour cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt to scorching hot chili or stews, or even a touch of milk or cream.

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