This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a warm and hearty dish packed with tender turkey, creamy sweet potatoes, and tasty spices. It’s perfect for cozy dinners!
Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so less mess to clean up. I love adding a dollop of sour cream on top for a tasty twist. Who doesn’t love a good chili night? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing. If you need a substitute, you could use avocado oil or canola oil. Both work well and have a mild flavor.
Ground Turkey: Lean turkey adds nice flavor and protein. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
Sweet Potato: They add sweetness and texture to the chili. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try using regular potatoes or butternut squash instead for a similar effect.
Diced Tomatoes: They create a rich base for the chili. Canned tomatoes are convenient, but you can use fresh tomatoes (about 4 medium) if you have some on hand.
Black Beans: They enhance protein and fiber content. You can easily replace them with kidney beans or pinto beans based on what you like.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground turkey can be tricky since it cooks quickly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always break the meat into small pieces while cooking. This helps it brown nicely.
- Cook until there’s no pink left, usually about 7-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check: it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t rush! Sautéing slowly helps develop flavors and keeps the turkey juicy.
What’s the Best Way to Cut Sweet Potatoes?
Chopping sweet potatoes into even cubes ensures they cook at the same rate. Here’s a quick guide:
- Peel the sweet potato with a vegetable peeler.
- Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice each half into planks or rounds.
- Finally, dice the planks into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll end up with a delicious Sweet Potato Turkey Chili that’s sure to warm you up!
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 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 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy Sweet Potato Turkey Chili takes about 10 minutes for prep and 35-40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend around 45 minutes total before it’s ready to serve. It’s a quick and hearty meal perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook it until it softens, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn!
2. Add Garlic and Turkey:
Next, mix in the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. After that, add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, roughly 7-8 minutes.
3. Spice It Up:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), salt, and black pepper. Cook this mix for another minute to let those spices toast and release their aromas!
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add in the diced sweet potato, the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain it, we want all that juice), tomato paste, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined. It should look colorful and delicious!
5. Simmer Away:
Bring your chili to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Thicken the Chili:
After the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes. This step helps thicken the chili to your liking. Give it a taste and add more salt or spices if you think it needs it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your chili hot in bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy your comforting, nutritious Sweet Potato Turkey Chili!
Feel free to share this delicious recipe with family and friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used in place of ground turkey for a richer flavor. Just choose a lean cut to keep it healthier, and cook it until browned just like you would with turkey.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian! Substitute the ground turkey with additional beans like kidney or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will still yield a hearty and nutritious chili!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover Sweet Potato Turkey Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to bring back some moisture.
Can I Freeze This Chili?
Yes! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming on the stove.
