Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that embodies the essence of cozy, home-cooked meals. Packed with nutritious ingredients and ample flavor, this chili is a fantastic choice for any occasion. With the warmth of spices, the richness of sweet potatoes, and the lean protein of turkey, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds even on the busiest of days. Whether you’re winding down after work or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to please appetites and warm hearts.
Why We Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
You’ll appreciate this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili not only for its delicious flavor but also for its simplicity and health benefits. The combination of ground turkey and sweet potatoes provides a wholesome balance of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. This chili is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or game day festivities. The use of warm spices adds depth, while the addition of beans and corn contributes extra fiber and nutrients. It’s a fulfilling meal that keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.
Ingredients about Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe Directions
Begin by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add in the finely diced onions. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. The smell will start to fill your kitchen with a savory aroma. Next, introduce the minced garlic to the pot. Cook it for an additional 30 seconds, allowing its fragrant essence to swirl into the mixture.
Now it’s time to add the star of this recipe: the ground turkey. Push the sautéed onions and garlic to the side of the pot, creating space for the turkey. Cook the turkey for 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Ensure that there’s no pink remaining, as we want the turkey cooked through and crumbled well.
After the turkey has cooked, add the sweet potato cubes to the pot. Stir them in and let them cook for another 2 minutes. This brief cooking time allows the sweet potatoes to absorb the flavors present in the pan. Then, it’s time to introduce the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Pour them in and then sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat), salt, and black pepper over the top. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are equally distributed throughout the mixture.
Increase the heat and bring the pot to a boil. As it heats up, you can feel the anticipation build for the delightful meal to come. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing it to simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking process is key—the flavors have time to meld beautifully, and the sweet potatoes begin to soften.
After the initial simmering time, stir in the drained corn and black beans. Give everything a good mix and cover the pot again. You’ll want to let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes become fork-tender. If you prefer a thicker chili, take a potato masher and mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot to integrate them into the mixture.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, you can serve this delicious chili hot from the stove. Don’t forget to have options for garnishes! A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate your dish to a whole new level.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
When it comes to serving Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, the options are endless. A bright bowl of this chili makes for a fabulous centerpiece for a cozy dinner. Consider serving it with a side of freshly baked cornbread or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
For family dinners, provide toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or diced avocado to let everyone customize their bowl. This not only adds layers of flavor but also creates a fun, interactive dining experience.
For a casual gathering with friends or family, serve your chili in large bowls or enameled mugs for a rustic touch. Set out garnishes so everyone can add their favorites. This dish is fantastic for meal prep too—pack it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Expert Tips: Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
To make the most of your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, consider these expert tips. First, do not rush the sautéing process. Cooking the onions and garlic properly releases their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. Additionally, when browning the turkey, ensure it’s properly crumbled to avoid any large lumps in your chili, which can result in an uneven texture.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices or adjust the heat level to suit your preferences. If you enjoy a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mix. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, simply omit the optional cayenne.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Opt for organic sweet potatoes and quality ground turkey for richer taste. Lastly, remember that letting the chili sit for a bit before serving allows the flavors to deepen even further, so if you have time, let it rest!
How to Store Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Storing your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is simple and convenient. Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them into airtight containers. This makes it easy to store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
If you want to keep the chili for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat either on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
There are many fun variations to consider when making this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. For a different flavor profile, try adding diced bell peppers or zucchini during the initial sauté with the onions. These vegetables add color and additional nutrients.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground turkey for a mix of lentils and extra beans. Chickpeas and kidney beans, in particular, work well in this chili and will provide a hearty texture.
For those who like a southwestern twist, add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor. You can also include some diced tomatoes with green chilies for added zing.
Feeling adventurous? Incorporate grains such as quinoa or farro for a more substantial meal. Just be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly, as you’ll want to maintain the desired consistency.
FAQ
What makes Turkey Sweet Potato Chili a healthy option?
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is packed with lean protein from ground turkey and complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes. It also includes fiber-rich black beans and corn, making it a nutritious dish.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground turkey with lentils or other beans, maintaining the other ingredients for flavor and texture.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are cooked?
The sweet potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender. You can easily test this by inserting a fork into a piece of sweet potato—if it goes in easily, they’re done.
What can I use if I don’t have avocado oil?
If avocado oil is unavailable, you can safely substitute it with olive oil or canola oil. Both options will work well for sautéing the onions and garlic.
Now you’re ready to dive in and create a wonderful pot of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili that you and your loved ones will savor. Enjoy the cooking process and the flavors that come together in this delightful dish!
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cans (15-ounce each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15.25-ounce) corn, drained
- 1 can (15.5-ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed
Optional for Serving
- to taste sour cream
- to taste fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Once the oil shimmers, add in the finely diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Cooking
- Introduce the ground turkey to the pot, cooking for 7-8 minutes until browned and crumbled.
- Add the sweet potato cubes and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir to ensure spices are well-distributed and bring to a boil.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, stir in drained corn and black beans, simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- For thicker chili, mash some sweet potatoes against the side of the pot.
Serving
- Serve hot from the stove, with optional garnishes like sour cream and cilantro.
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