Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

If you’re anything like me, chilly evenings call for something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor – and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe with you. It’s got this beautiful balance of savory ground turkey, naturally sweet potatoes, and a gentle kick from the chili spices that makes it cozy and comforting without feeling heavy. I find it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want dinner on the table fast but still crave something wholesome and satisfying.

What really makes this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe stand out in my kitchen is the way the sweet potato cubes soften just enough to melt into the chili, adding a delicate sweetness and body that complements the lean turkey. Plus, using ground turkey keeps it lighter than traditional beef chili, making it a great choice if you’re watching calories but still want big flavor. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why it quickly became a favorite in my home—and I’m betting it’ll be in yours soon, too!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe come together effortlessly and are easy to find in most grocery stores. Each element brings a special touch, from the sweetness of the potatoes to the rich base of tomatoes and spices that warm the dish beautifully.

• Olive oil: It’s your starting point for sautéing—helps build flavor without overpowering.
• Sweet onion: Adds a mellow sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
• Garlic: I bump this up to 5-7 cloves because garlic brings so much warmth and aroma.
• Ground turkey: Lean and healthy, but be sure to crumble it well as it cooks.
• Petite diced tomatoes (canned): These give texture and acidity, brightening the chili’s base.
• Tomato sauce (canned): Adds body and richness, making the chili nice and thick.
• Chicken broth: Keeps things moist and adds subtle savory depth.
• Sweet potato (cubed): The star ingredient for sweetness and hearty texture.
• Chili powder: The main spice that warms without too much heat.
• Smoked paprika: Adds an earthy smokiness that’s key for flavor dimension.
• Ground cumin: Brings that classic chili earthiness and complexity.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity from the tomatoes and bring out sweetness.
• Frozen corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and texture—no need to thaw before adding.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste—they’re essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it based on what we have on hand or to suit different palates, so feel free to make it your own—you’ll be surprised how easily this recipe adapts.

• Add beans: I sometimes stir in black beans or kidney beans for extra fiber and heartiness—perfect if you want a vegetarian twist or just more bulk.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, toss in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to ramp up the kick.
• Use ground chicken: I’ve swapped turkey with ground chicken when in a pinch, and it still turns out delicious.
• Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes: For a less sweet version, go with russet or Yukon gold potatoes—you’ll still get great texture.
• Add bell peppers or zucchini: Sneak in more veggies for nutrition and extra flavor layers.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the diced sweet onion and minced garlic, letting them soften gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—you’ll notice this amazing aroma that signals you’re off to a great start. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn since that can make the chili taste bitter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot and break it up as it cooks so there are no large clumps. Season lightly with salt and pepper to build layers of flavor. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll find that cooking it thoroughly here ensures a tender, flavorful chili base.

Step 3: Combine the Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes & Spices

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, then add your cubed sweet potatoes along with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and a tablespoon of sugar. Stir it all together well. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’re aiming for the sweet potatoes to become tender enough that a fork goes right through—they’re the secret to that “comfort food” texture.

Step 4: Finish With Corn and Seasoning

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, stir in the frozen corn and bring the heat back to medium-high for just a few minutes until the chili boils again. This cooks the corn quickly while keeping it crisp and sweet. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed—this final adjustment really brings everything together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your chili into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and slices of creamy avocado. These garnishes add freshness, richness, and a lovely contrast to the warm spice which elevates the whole dish in my opinion—you don’t want to skip them!

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this chili with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright herbal note, shredded cheddar cheese for melty richness, and sliced avocado to add creaminess that cools down the spices. These simple garnishes turn a humble bowl of chili into something truly special and beautiful on the plate.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this chili alongside warm cornbread or simple tortilla chips for some crunch. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies also make great companions if you want something fresh on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to present this chili in mini cast iron skillets or small ceramic bowls with all garnishes artfully arranged on top. You can even set up a “chili bar” where guests customize their own bowls with avocado, cheese, cilantro, and hot sauce—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps perfectly for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an easy next-day lunch or dinner that’s just as satisfying as freshly made.

Freezing

This chili freezes really well! I like to portion it into individual freezer-safe containers for quick meals down the line. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re ready to reheat—it’s a lifesaver on busy days.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer using the stove over the microwave to keep the sweet potatoes intact and maintain the chili’s texture. Gently warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe brings comfort and nourishment together in one pot. It’s one of those recipes I keep going back to because it’s approachable, delicious, and easy to personalize whether I’m cooking just for myself or my family. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy making it as much as I have—and once you do, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to feel-good dinners too.

Print