This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a warm bowl of goodness! Packed with lean turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a mix of spices, it’s hearty and delicious.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a chili that’s both healthy and filling? Plus, it’s great for meal prep. Just make a big pot and enjoy it all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of our chili, providing lean protein. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based ground meat to fit your diet.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different flavor.
Black Beans: They add texture and protein. You can swap them for kidney beans or pinto beans if you like. Canned beans are a great time-saver!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika create that cozy flavor. You can play with spices; add more or less according to your taste. If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili is Flavorful?
To get the most flavor, focus on cooking your onions and garlic well. Sauté the onions until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, then add garlic only towards the end to prevent burning. Toasting the spices in the heated oil is also key to bringing out their best flavors.
- Cook onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Don’t rush the browning of the turkey; let it develop nice flavor.
Lastly, adjust seasonings at the end. It’s all about personal taste, so don’t be shy to add more salt or spices!
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty chili takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making your total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to flavor your chili! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and really bring out their flavor.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Next, add the diced sweet potatoes, the can of diced tomatoes (including juices), black beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Taste and Serve:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the salt and spices if needed. Then, serve it hot in bowls, topped with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy touch.
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Sweet Potato Turkey Chili!
Can I Use Sweet Potato Mash Instead of Diced Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potato mash! Just add it toward the end of cooking to heat it through, as it won’t need as much time to cook compared to diced sweet potatoes.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans are great alternatives. You can also try chickpeas for a different flavor!
Can I Make This Chili in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker! Simply brown the turkey and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
How Can I Thicken the Chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes with a fork after cooking, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up!