Hearty Sweet Potato Turkey Chili: A Cozy Comfort Food

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by Aria

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Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds like they just won a dance-off. Imagine tender turkey mingling with sweet potatoes, all enveloped in a spicy, aromatic broth that sends delightful whiffs wafting through your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all cozy inside, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need some comfort food after a long day.

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Every time I whip up this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili, it sparks memories of family gatherings and laughter echoing around the table. The vibrant colors and hearty aroma draw everyone in, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s game day or simply a Tuesday night, this chili is always a hit, promising to tantalize your taste buds with every spoonful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili offers an easy prep process with big flavors
  • The combination of sweet and savory makes it irresistible
  • Its colorful presentation adds appeal to any meal
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner, and perfect for leftovers!

I remember one evening when I served this chili to friends during a game night; their faces lit up with joy after the first bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey provides protein without overwhelming richness; feel free to swap in chicken if preferred.

  • Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm sweet potatoes; their natural sweetness balances the spices beautifully.

  • Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for texture and flavor; they add moisture and acidity to the chili.

  • Kidney Beans: These beans offer heartiness; rinsing them helps reduce excess sodium.

  • Onion: A yellow onion works best; sautéing brings out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic richness; chop them finely to enhance their pungency.

  • Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika): These spices elevate the chili’s flavor profile; adjust amounts based on heat preference.

  • Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while adding depth to the dish.

  • Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté veggies perfectly without sticking.

  • Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro garnishes beautifully and adds a pop of freshness at serving time.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Sautéing the Base Ingredients: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent—about 3-5 minutes—creating a savory base for your chili.

Browning the Turkey: Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir until browned and no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes. The turkey will soak up those aromatic flavors beautifully.

Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Toss in your diced sweet potatoes along with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well for about 2 minutes until everything is coated in spices—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Pouring in Tomatoes and Broth: Next up, add canned tomatoes (with juice) and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a simmer by increasing the heat briefly; then reduce back down to low heat for about 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy.

Add Beans and Final Touches: Once sweet potatoes are cooked through, stir in rinsed kidney beans and let simmer another 10 minutes. For an extra kick, adjust seasoning if needed or stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.

This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is sure to become your new favorite comfort food! Enjoy it alone or topped with cheese or sour cream for added indulgence.

You Must Know

  • Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a bowl of comfort; it’s not just delicious but also nutritious
  • The rich flavors develop beautifully, and you can even make it ahead for an easy weeknight dinner
  • The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the turkey in a large pot, then add chopped veggies and spices. This sequence enhances flavor and ensures everything cooks evenly, turning your humble chili into a superstar dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap turkey for lean beef or vegetarian crumbles. You can also toss in black beans or corn for added texture and flavor, making this chili your personal masterpiece.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Sweet Potato Turkey Chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to keep that delicious taste intact.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve a smoother texture, puree some of the sweet potatoes before adding them back to the chili
  • Always taste as you go, adjusting seasoning based on your preference
  • For extra depth, add a splash of lime juice right before serving

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili has been my go-to dish during chilly evenings; my friends rave about its comforting warmth and incredible flavor every time I serve it.

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in Sweet Potato Turkey Chili?

Yes! Ground beef or chicken works well and offers different flavors for your chili.

How long does Sweet Potato Turkey Chili last in the refrigerator?

It can last up to five days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Turkey Chili?

Absolutely! Freeze it in portions for an easy meal option on busy nights.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Sweet Potato Turkey Chili


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

Description

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that combines lean turkey with sweet potatoes in a spicy, aromatic broth. This comforting chili is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, offering a burst of flavor in every spoonful. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and an instant favorite for any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent (3–5 minutes).
  2. Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks until browned (5–7 minutes).
  3. Stir in diced sweet potatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let cook for 20–25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in rinsed kidney beans and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

 

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