When it comes to delicious comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a warm bowl of chili. Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a standout option that combines the savory flavors of ground turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. This recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of spices, healthy ingredients, and hearty texture makes it a wonderfully satisfying choice that everyone will enjoy.
Why We Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is not only comforting and delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrition. Lean ground turkey is a great source of protein while sweet potatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or serving it at a festive gathering. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this chili not only warms the body but also brings a smile to your face. Making it in a slow cooker adds convenience; you can simply set it and forget it until dinner time.
Ingredients about Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
To create your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 (14-ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (7- or 8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14-ounce) can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small jalapeño, minced
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Directions
Making Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is straightforward, and it allows you to get creative with seasonings and toppings. Start by preparing the seasoning blend. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This flavorful mix will be the backbone of your dish.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the lean ground turkey and cook it for about four minutes. After this time, add two tablespoons of your seasoning blend and continue to cook for an additional four to five minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and nicely browned.
Transfer the cooked turkey into a slow cooker. Now it’s time to add in the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, then add the chicken broth for a rich base. Toss in your diced sweet potato, yellow onion, green bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, and minced jalapeño. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend over the top and stir everything together until well combined.
Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, cover it up and set it to cook. For a cozy and flavorful chili, let it cook on low for about seven hours. If you’re short on time, cooking it on high for four hours will do the trick. The longer cook time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the sweet potatoes will become tender and absorb the spices.
When the cooking time is up, give the chili a good stir and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving. This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is best enjoyed warm, where every spoonful brings comfort and satisfaction.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Serving your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You can dish it out into bowls, garnishing each one with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a burst of color and flavor. For those who love a creamy texture, offer up some sour cream or shredded cheese as optional toppings. Sliced avocado can add a refreshing touch, making every bite even more irresistible.
This chili pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread, allowing you to soak up every last drop. It’s a perfect option for a cozy family dinner, and it is also great to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. The aromas will draw everyone into the kitchen, and you can proudly serve a dish that is both wholesome and delicious.
Expert Tips: Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
To elevate your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, there are a few expert tips and tweaks you can consider.
Spice Level: If you enjoy spicy foods, feel free to add more minced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. For a milder touch, consider omitting the jalapeño or using a milder pepper.
Cooking Time: For a deeper flavor, you can brown the turkey with the onions and peppers in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the meat and vegetables, adding more complexity to the dish.
Bulk Up the Nutrition: Consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. Just be sure to budget for additional cooking time if you add fibrous veggies.
Flavor Boost: For more flavor, you can cook the spices in the olive oil for a minute before adding the turkey. This step helps to awaken the spices and infuse the oil with robust flavors.
Meal Prepping: If you’re preparing for a busy week, Turkey Sweet Potato Chili stores well. Double the recipe for leftovers that can be reheated throughout the week.
How to Store Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Leftovers from your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili can be stored with ease. Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it for longer, consider freezing it. Ensure the chili is in a suitable freezer-safe container or freezer bag, where it can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
No recipe is set in stone, and this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili can easily adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the turkey for a combination of black beans, chickpeas, and lentils. You can also use plant-based ground meat alternatives for similar texture and flavor.
Different Proteins: Try using ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based ground meat if you prefer. Each variation brings out unique flavors and textures that can change the entire dish.
Sweet Potato Alternatives: If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even other root vegetables like parsnips or carrots work as a great alternative.
Changing the Beans: You can use different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, based on your preferences.
Top It Differently: Experiment with topping variations by trying fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or even crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a delicious and nutritious chili dish that features lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, colorful vegetables, and a variety of spices. It’s a satisfying and hearty meal that can be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Can I make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making Turkey Sweet Potato Chili ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and reheat it when you are ready to serve.
How can I make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili spicier?
If you want your chili to have an extra kick, consider adding more minced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce. You can adjust the heat to suit your personal taste.
Is Turkey Sweet Potato Chili healthy?
Yes! Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is packed with lean protein from the turkey and nutrients from the sweet potatoes and vegetables. It’s a wholesome option that can be part of a balanced diet.
How do I store leftovers of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Make sure to cool the chili to room temperature before placing it in a container to preserve its quality.
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Slow Cooker
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs. lean ground turkey
- 2 14-ounce cans petite diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 7- or 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 14-ounce can corn (drained and rinsed)
- 1 14-ounce can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 small jalapeño (minced)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano to create a seasoning blend.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey and cook for about 4 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend to the turkey and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- Transfer the cooked turkey to a slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
- Add the diced sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, and minced jalapeño. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend on top and stir well.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 7 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir the chili before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
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