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Sweet Potato Turkey Chili – EASY and Healthy

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving a hearty, nourishing dish, few meals hit the spot like a bowl of homemade chili. But what if you could enjoy all the comfort of chili with a lighter, healthier twist? That’s where this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili comes in—a vibrant, protein-packed dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying. This recipe swaps out heavier red meats for lean ground turkey and pairs it with naturally sweet and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Add in tomatoes, corn, smoky spices, and a touch of cheddar, and you’ve got a chili that’s bold, flavorful, and comforting without being heavy. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or making something cozy for a game day gathering, this chili delivers flavor, nutrition, and comfort in every spoonful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 hearty bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and healthy sweet potato turkey chili:
Meat
  • 1 lb Ground turkey
Vegetables
  • 1 large Sweet potato peeled and diced
  • ½ Sweet onion diced
  • 5 Garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup Frozen corn
  • 28 oz Canned petite tomatoes
  • 2 Avocados diced (for topping)
  • ¼ cup Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Condiments & Liquids
  • 16 oz Canned tomato sauce
  • ½ cup Chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Granulated sugar to balance acidity
Oils & Dairy
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • ⅓ cup Shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Equipment

  • You’ll only need a few kitchen basics to whip up this delicious chili:
  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven (for cooking the chili)
  • Sharp Knife & Cutting Board (for chopping sweet potato, onion, garlic, and avocado)
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons (for spices and liquids)
  • Wooden Spoon or Ladle (for stirring and serving)
  • Bowls & Soup Spoons (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect bowl of chili:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Peel and dice the sweet potato into small cubes.
  2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Set aside avocado and cilantro for garnish.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 6–7 minutes).
  3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
  1. In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add minced garlic and stir for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices
  1. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes.
  2. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and sugar.
  3. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow spices to bloom.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Sauce
  1. Pour in canned petite tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce.
  2. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Add Broth and Simmer
  1. Pour in chicken broth.
  2. Return browned turkey to the pot.
  3. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Add Corn
  1. Stir in frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
  1. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning—add more chili powder for heat, or sugar if it’s too tangy.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
  1. Ladle chili into bowls.
  2. Top with diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store chili in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled chili in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on stovetop over medium heat, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed.
🥄 Variations
Spicier Version: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra cayenne.
Milder Chili: Reduce chili powder and paprika.
Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with black beans and kidney beans.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
Cheese Lover’s Upgrade: Add Monterey Jack or pepper jack along with cheddar.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a lean alternative.
2. Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
It’s recommended, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer extra texture.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
4. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely—just cut kernels off the cob and add them in.
5. Is this chili spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust spice levels with more or less chili powder.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the chili?
Let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes, or mash a few sweet potato cubes into the broth.
7. Can I use beef instead of turkey?
Yes, but it will be heavier. Ground turkey keeps it light and healthy.
8. What sides go well with this chili?
Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad.
9. Can I meal prep this chili?
Yes! Portion into containers for ready-to-heat lunches or dinners.
10. How do I make it dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
🏁 Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a healthy, hearty meal that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. With lean turkey, nutrient-packed sweet potatoes, smoky spices, and just the right touch of sweetness, this chili is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in.
Topped with creamy avocado, melty cheddar, and fresh cilantro, every bowl is loaded with color, flavor, and texture. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and keeps beautifully for leftovers.
Whether you’re new to chili recipes or a seasoned pro, this one deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of meal that warms both the belly and the heart.