If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. It’s a vibrant, flavorful twist on the classic chili, loaded with tender ground turkey and naturally sweet cubes of sweet potato that bring a delightful balance. The blend of spices paired with the rich tomato base and a hint of smoky paprika create an irresistible aroma and taste that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a satisfying and wholesome dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to making a Turkey Sweet Potato Chili that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building depth, texture, and vibrant color throughout the dish.

Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
Sweet onion: Delivers natural sweetness and a mellow bite when cooked.
Garlic cloves: Bring pungent aroma and savory depth that awakens the palate.
Ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the chili light but satisfying.
Petite diced tomatoes: Add juicy texture and a fresh tomato zing.
Tomato sauce: Creates a thick, luscious chili foundation with concentrated flavor.
Chicken broth: Enhances moisture and layers of savory flavor in the chili.
Sweet potato, cubed: Adds a naturally sweet and tender contrast to the spices.
Chili powder: Brings warmth and that classic chili heat.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness that elevates the dish.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the spice blend.
Granulated sugar: Balances acidity and boosts the sweet notes of sweet potato.
Frozen corn: Provides pops of sweetness and texture.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and harmonize flavors.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced sweet onion and minced garlic, sautéing them just until they become fragrant and translucent—this usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful base for your chili.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Next, add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking up any clumps with your spoon. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to start building layers of flavor. Cook the turkey until it loses all traces of pink and is nearly fully cooked through. This step ensures tender, well-seasoned meat that infuses the chili with protein-packed goodness.

Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients

Once the turkey is browned, stir in petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cubed sweet potatoes. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and granulated sugar. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently. Allow the sweet potatoes to cook until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork—about 15 minutes—creating a perfect balance of softness within the chili.

Step 4: Add Corn and Final Seasoning

Stir in the frozen corn and crank the heat back up to medium-high to bring the liquid to a boil once more. This final step ensures the corn cooks through without losing its pleasant crunch and sweetness. Taste your chili and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed before removing the pot from the heat.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Garnishes

To take your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili to the next level, top it with vibrant garnishes. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note, while shredded cheddar cheese melts delightfully on the hot chili. Slices of creamy avocado bring coolness and richness that beautifully complement the spice and texture of the dish.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides like warm cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or even a crisp green salad. Each side brings different textures and flavors that help round out the meal for an inviting and satisfying dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili in mini bread bowls for an edible serving vessel, or layer it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make it even heartier. You can also offer a toppings bar with sour cream, jalapeños, or extra cheese for guests to customize their bowls exactly how they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as good, if not better, than the first serving.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this chili ahead for a busy day, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, label clearly, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also warm individual servings in the microwave—just be sure to cover the bowl and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Brown the turkey and sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker except the corn. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, adding the corn in the last 15 minutes of cooking for best texture.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

If you prefer, ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully in this recipe—just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Is it possible to make this chili spicier?

Definitely! You can add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to amp up the heat according to your taste buds.

Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?

You can, but sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. If using regular potatoes, consider adding a bit more sugar or a splash of honey to maintain that flavor harmony.

Is Turkey Sweet Potato Chili suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This chili is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and reheats easily, making healthy lunches or dinners quick and convenient throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is your new go-to recipe. It’s simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing with loved ones around the table. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a cherished staple in your chilly day meal rotation!