Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Introduction
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cozy evenings. Combining lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes and warming spices, it offers a delicious twist on classic chili that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 5-7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 28 oz petite diced tomatoes, canned
- 16 oz tomato sauce, canned
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large sweet potato, 1-inch cubed (~12 oz)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up if clumped. Season with a pinch or two of salt and black pepper. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, cubed sweet potatoes, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Step 5: Add the frozen corn, increase heat to medium-high, and cook a few more minutes until the chili comes back to a boil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Step 6: Divide the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced avocado as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- Add a diced jalapeño with the onions for extra heat.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly with a meat substitute.
- Top with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the turkey and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. Regular potatoes can be used but may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender. Adjust seasoning to your taste as sweet potatoes add natural sweetness.
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Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty and nutritious one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a blend of warming spices. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for a comforting dinner that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 5–7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 28 oz petite diced tomatoes, canned
- 16 oz tomato sauce, canned
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large sweet potato (about 12 oz), diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 avocadoes, sliced
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with a pinch or two of salt and black pepper. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink and nearly cooked through.
- Add Base Ingredients: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Add the diced sweet potatoes along with the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Finish with Corn and Season: Stir in the frozen corn and bring the heat back up to medium-high. Cook for a few more minutes until the chili returns to a boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the chili into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes: chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced avocado. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili during cooking.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Sweet potatoes can be peeled or unpeeled based on your texture preference.
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure the chicken broth used is certified gluten free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey chili, sweet potato chili, healthy chili, one pot meal, ground turkey recipe

