When the weather gets a little cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to make you feel cozy. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic sweet potato chili recipes that are both hearty and easy to make. They are perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
I love how sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamy texture to chili, making it extra special. Whether you prefer a vegetarian option or something with a bit of meat, I’ve got you covered with these simple and delicious recipes. You’re going to love them!
Jump to Recipe:
Hearty Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili
This sweet potato chili recipe is packed with flavor and plant-based goodness. It’s a wonderful vegetarian option that doesn’t skimp on richness or warmth, perfect for a cold evening.
You’ll find it incredibly easy to make, and the sweet potatoes break down just enough to create a naturally thick and comforting sauce. 
Key Sweet Potato Chili Ingredients & Tips
- Choose Your Sweet Potatoes: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard or Jewel varieties work best here for their natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Bean Variety Matters: I like to use a mix of black beans and kidney beans for different textures and a more complete protein profile.
- Spice Level Control: Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper or chili flakes, then add more to reach your desired level of heat. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
What You Need for Sweet Potato Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, 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 diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese
⏱️ Time: 50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make This Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili
Step 1: Start with Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells fragrant.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Spices
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more, letting the spices toast a little.
Step 3: Simmer and Build Flavor
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will come together, and the sweet potatoes will become very tender.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Remove the lid and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a thicker chili, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
📝 Final Note
Leftover sweet potato chili tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Delicious Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a slightly leaner chili that still delivers on comfort, this sweet potato turkey chili is your answer. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a filling and wholesome meal.
The ground turkey browns beautifully with the sweet potatoes and spices, creating a comforting bowl that you’ll want to make again and again. 
Key Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Insights
- Ground Turkey Choices: I recommend using lean ground turkey (93/7) to keep the chili lighter without sacrificing flavor. Break it up well as it cooks.
- Build the Flavor Base: Don’t rush browning the turkey and sautéing the onions and garlic. This step creates a rich flavor base for your chili.
- Optional Add-ins: For extra vegetables, you can add diced bell peppers or corn along with the sweet potatoes.
What You Need for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, green onions, corn chips
⏱️ Time: 55 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-7 servings
How to Make This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat 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 fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook Veggies and Spices
Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the diced sweet potatoes along with chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the vegetables and toast the spices.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned turkey to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, pinto beans, cannellini beans, and chicken broth. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 35 minutes. This simmering time lets the sweet potatoes soften and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Season and Serve Warm
Uncover the pot, taste the chili, and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve your warm turkey chili with your favorite toppings like a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, or some crunchy corn chips. Enjoy this comforting meal!
📝 Final Note
This turkey chili is fantastic for meal prep! Make a big batch and portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats well on the stove or in the microwave.