I love a good chili when the weather gets a bit cooler. There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of something hearty. Today, I’m sharing two of my absolute favorite sweet potato chili recipes with you.
Whether you prefer a plant-based meal or want to add some lean protein, I have you covered. Both of these sweet potato chili options are packed with great ingredients, easy to make, and really hit the spot.
Jump to Recipe:
Hearty Sweet Potato Chili (Vegetarian)
This sweet potato chili is a plant-based dream. It’s packed with flavor, hearty vegetables, and healthy beans to keep you full.
I often make a big pot of this to enjoy all week long, and it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sweet Potato Chili
- Sweet Potatoes: Cut them into small, even cubes so they cook through at the same rate as everything else. They add a lovely sweetness and creamy texture.
- Beans: I use a mix of kidney and black beans for good texture and protein. Make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
- Spices: Don’t skip the chili powder, cumin, and a little smoked paprika. These spices are key for building a deep, rich flavor in your chili.
What You Need for Sweet Potato Chili
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for serving (optional)
⏱️ Time: 50-60 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili
Step 1: Start the Base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Main Ingredients
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, rinsed beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
📝 Final Note
This sweet potato chili tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well.
Comforting Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty chili with lean protein, this sweet potato turkey chili is a winner. It’s full of good-for-you ingredients and big flavors.
I find this recipe is a great way to get a satisfying meal that’s also light and filling, perfect for any weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Turkey Chili
- Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey (93/7 or 96/4) to keep it light. Make sure to break it up well as you brown it to avoid large clumps.
- Sweet Potatoes: Like in the vegetarian version, small cubes are best. They will soften and lend a natural sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
- Broth: Use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Chicken broth adds a bit more richness to the turkey chili, but vegetable broth works fine if you prefer.
What You Need for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
⏱️ Time: 55-65 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables & Spices
Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and celery to the pot with the turkey. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed beans, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 35-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve your sweet potato turkey chili hot with your chosen toppings.
📝 Final Note
This turkey chili is fantastic for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can also be frozen in individual portions for quick, easy meals later.