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Sweet Potato Turkey Chili – EASY, Healthy & Hearty One-Pot Dinner

If you're looking for a wholesome, warming meal that checks all the boxes — healthy, hearty, and packed with flavor — then this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is calling your name! This recipe takes your classic chili and lightens it up with lean ground turkey, adds depth with sweet potatoes, and finishes strong with a savory tomato base and bold spices. Every spoonful is a satisfying bite of protein, fiber, and warmth. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or lazy Sundays, this one-pot wonder is family-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and easily adaptable to your spice level. It’s the type of meal you can feel good about eating — and even better about making.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 generous bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
🍠 Vegetables & Aromatics:
  • 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
  • ½ sweet onion chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 28 oz petite diced tomatoes canned, with juices
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 2 avocados for topping
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
🧂 Spices & Flavor:
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar balances acidity
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
🛢️ Oils & Dairy:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese for garnish

Equipment

  • To whip up this chili, you don’t need any fancy tools — just the basics:
  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Can opener
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Optional: Potato masher (for thickening the chili by smashing some of the sweet potatoes).

Method
 

  1. Let’s get cooking! This easy one-pot chili recipe comes together in under an hour:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
  1. Peel and dice the sweet potato into ½-inch cubes.
  2. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. Measure out your corn, cilantro, and set your canned goods aside.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
  1. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the Spices
  1. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  2. Mix well to coat the meat and onions in the spices.
Step 5: Add the Veggies and Liquids
  1. Stir in the sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer the Chili
  1. Simmer the chili uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
  2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Optional: Use a potato masher to mash some of the sweet potatoes right in the pot to thicken the chili naturally.
Step 7: Finish with Corn and Cilantro
  1. Add the frozen corn and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
  1. Ladle the hot chili into bowls.
  2. Top with sliced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and extra cilantro.
  3. Serve with tortilla chips, rice, or warm cornbread if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Microwave: Reheat individual servings in 90-second intervals, stirring between.
Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, adding broth or water if needed.
Note: Add fresh avocado only after reheating, not before freezing.
🥄 Variations
Love to customize? Here are some easy ways to make this chili your own:
Add Beans: Stir in black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for added fiber.
Spice it Up: Add 1 chopped jalapeño or ½ tsp cayenne for heat.
Make it Creamy: Stir in ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut cream at the end.
Veggie Power: Add chopped zucchini, bell pepper, or spinach.
Slow Cooker: Brown the turkey first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
No Corn? No problem! Use green peas or chopped green beans instead.
Smoky Twist: Add a touch of liquid smoke for BBQ-style flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the corn and sugar and go heavy on turkey and greens.
Vegan Version: Replace ground turkey with lentils and use veggie broth.
Taco Chili: Add taco seasoning and top with crushed tortilla chips and salsa.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
2. Is it spicy?
Not too spicy — just flavorful. Adjust heat by adding or reducing chili powder and paprika.
3. Can I add beans to this chili?
Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans work great. Just rinse and drain before adding.
4. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mildly spiced and sweetened with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
5. Can I skip the sugar?
Yes, but a small amount helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
6. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Definitely — ground chicken works just as well.
7. How can I make it thicker?
Mash a few sweet potato cubes in the pot, or simmer uncovered a bit longer.
8. What toppings go best with this chili?
Avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, or tortilla chips.
9. Can I freeze this chili?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just avoid freezing the avocado garnish.
10. How long will leftovers last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
🏁 Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is your go-to cozy comfort food with a healthy twist. Packed with protein, naturally sweetened by root vegetables, and seasoned just right, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings without weighing you down.
Whether you're feeding your family on a busy night, meal-prepping for the week, or just curling up with a bowl on a chilly day, this chili is guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your belly.
So grab your pot, prep those ingredients, and get ready to stir up something both nourishing and downright delicious.