This turkey sweet potato chili is healthy, cozy, and simple to make — and it reheats beautifully for easy leftovers.
For other delicious ground turkey recipes, try Easy Turkey Meatballs, Easy Turkey Chili, or Easy Ground Turkey Burgers.
Why you’ll love it
This turkey chili delivers all the satisfaction of a classic chili without feeling heavy. It’s versatile — you can make it mild or spicy — and it’s hearty enough to be a complete, balanced meal.
Lean ground turkey and tender sweet potatoes simmer in savory broth with a simple homemade spice blend. The result is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep.
What you’ll need
- Olive oil – for sautéing.
- Onion and garlic – the aromatic base; sweet onions like Vidalia work well.
- Ground turkey – turkey thigh is juicier, but turkey breast is fine.
- Chili powder – check your brand for heat level.
- Ground cumin and paprika – add depth and warmth.
- Cayenne pepper – optional, for extra heat.
- Diced tomatoes – fire-roasted adds great flavor.
- Chicken broth – for body and moisture.
- Beans – kidney beans add protein and texture.
- Sweet potatoes – creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect in chili.
Tools for this recipe
A sturdy soup pot or Dutch oven makes this easiest; a good chef’s knife and a ladle are handy too.
- A sharp chef’s knife for chopping sweet potatoes and onions.
- A garlic press (optional) for quick mincing.
- A heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven to simmer the chili evenly.
How to make turkey chili with sweet potatoes
Overview: sauté aromatics and turkey, add spices and liquids, then simmer with sweet potatoes and beans until tender.
Sauté the onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic and ground turkey, breaking up the meat and cooking until the turkey changes color.
Stir in the spices, broth, sweet potatoes, beans, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Finish with salt and pepper to taste and add your preferred toppings.
Substitutions and variations
- Try smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky note.
- Swap kidney beans for black beans or another favorite. Add diced carrots or other vegetables if you like.
- If using ground beef, you may need to drain excess fat before adding liquids.
What to serve with turkey chili
- Popular toppings: shredded cheddar, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt or sour cream, tortilla chips or strips, and sliced scallions.
- Serve with a simple side salad for extra greens — mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complements the chili nicely.
Leftovers and storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More tasty chili recipes
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Turkey Pumpkin Chili
- Crockpot Beef Chili
- Turkey White Bean Chili
- Quick Chili Recipe
If you make this sweet potato turkey chili, consider leaving a rating and a short review. Comments and questions are welcome.
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans drained
- 1 pound sweet potatoes peeled & diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Toppings (optional): cheddar cheese, cilantro, avocado, sour cream/Greek yogurt, scallions, etc.
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.
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Add the garlic and ground turkey. Cook, breaking up the meat, for about 5 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink on the outside.
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Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), chicken broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and sweet potatoes. Mix well.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover the pot slightly ajar, and simmer 15–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Sweet potato sizes vary; aim for about 1 pound total. Cut into roughly 1″ pieces or smaller for faster cooking.
- Use smoked or hot paprika if you prefer more smoke or heat.
- The recipe is flexible — adjust turkey, sweet potato, and spice amounts to your preference.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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This recipe was originally published on January 8, 2019, and has been updated with new photos and clearer instructions.