This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chunks of sweet potato, ground turkey, and spices, it’s deliciously comforting!
Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less mess to clean up afterward! I love to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping—it’s just too good to resist! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: A lean option for chili, but you can swap it for ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re looking for something vegetarian.
Sweet Potato: The star of the dish! If sweet potatoes are unavailable, regular potatoes or butternut squash can work nicely. Just note that cooking times may vary.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add moisture and flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes in a pinch or even crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture. Just chop them up if using fresh!
Black Beans: Great for protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or any other beans you prefer. If you need a low-carb option, think about skipping the beans altogether.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Chili?
The key to great flavor is layering your ingredients properly. Start by sautéing the onions until they’re translucent to build a savory base. Garlic should follow quickly to avoid burning its flavor. Adding spices like chili powder and cumin during cooking helps to bloom their aroma.
- Cook the onion until soft (3-4 minutes) before adding garlic.
- Don’t skip the sautéing! It develops the chili’s depth of flavor.
- Add spices before the liquids to release their essential oils.
- Simmering the chili allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, so be patient!
Lastly, always taste and adjust seasoning near the end. You might love a little kick of added salt or some fresh cilantro on top!
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chili takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to cook. In a little under an hour, you’ll have a warm, comforting pot of chili ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
2. Cook the Turkey:
Now, add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart, cooking until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step really adds a nice savory flavor to your chili.
3. Mix in the Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes:
It’s time to add the star of the dish! Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, along with the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together for an even mix of ingredients.
4. Spice It Up:
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those lovely spices.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to become tender and delicious!
6. Add Black Beans:
After the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the black beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing everything to warm through. This is the time to taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up your chili in bowls and feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of flavor. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Sweet Potato Turkey Chili with your favorite bread or tortilla chips!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef for turkey in this recipe. Just keep in mind that beef is generally fattier, so you may want to drain some excess fat after browning it.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey for a plant-based meat substitute, or simply omit the meat entirely and add more beans or lentils for protein. You can also bulk it up with extra vegetables!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 3 months. Just thaw and heat to enjoy it later!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
There are plenty of ways to amp up the flavor! Consider adding a splash of hot sauce, a teaspoon of cocoa powder, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like parsley or additional spices can also elevate the dish!