Hearty Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato

Q: Why is my Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato too thin, and how can I thicken it?

The quickest fixes are to simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes so excess liquid evaporates or to remove 1–2 cups, mash them, and stir back in to naturally thicken the base. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste while simmering or use a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) if you need an instant thickener. Tip: sweet potatoes absorb liquid as they cook, so adding them a little later or undercooking them slightly will help control final texture.

Q: Can I make this chili ahead, freeze it, and how long will it keep?

This chili is ideal for meal prep — cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days, or portion and freeze for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick; microwave works fine for single servings. Note that sweet potatoes can soften more after freezing, so if you prefer firmer cubes, slightly undercook them initially or add a few fresh cubes when reheating.

Hearty Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato My Cozy OnePot Weeknight Recipe

By Fia MartinezSeptember 29, 2025

0 (0 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato. Oh my gosh, this one feels like a hug. Have you ever wanted cozy comfort without the heavy guilt? This dish brings smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and sweet cubed yam vibes.

It’s a true one-pot stunner.

Quick Hook

I made this after a rainy soccer game. My kitchen smelled like spice and home. This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili balances warmth and bright lime finish.

Comfort food, but lighter. “Comfort in a bowl,” I always say.

Brief Overview

This recipe borrows chili con-carne ideas. It’s inspired by American Southwest flavors and simple home cooking. Difficulty is easy. Prep is 20 minutes.

Cook time is about 40 45 minutes. Total time equals roughly 1 hour. It makes 6 generous servings. Serve with cornbread or rice.

Main Benefits

Top health win: lean turkey cuts fat. Sweet potatoes add fiber and vitamins. This is a top Healthy Weeknight Turkey Chili for quick family dinners.

It’s also brilliant for meal prep turkey chili with sweet potatoes . Reheat, and it tastes even better the next day.

This dish shines at game day or a cozy weeknight. It’s hearty enough for guests. Yet it stays low-fat turkey sweet potato chili friendly.

What makes it special? The sweet potato adds texture and subtle sweetness. Combined with smoked paprika, it becomes a Smoky turkey and sweet potato chili recipe that surprises your taste buds.

I’ve learned a trick the hard way. Don’t skip toasting the spices. Toasting wakes them up. Brown the turkey well.

Flavor builds in those brown bits. If you like a thicker body, pulse a cup and stir it back in.

Honestly, that step saved many bowls for me.

This is also a solid one-pot turkey sweet potato chili . Fewer pans. Less washing. Ready to move on? Next up are the ingredients and tools.

Ingredients & Equipment quick and real

I love a pot that smells like dinner and a hug. Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato does that. Fun fact: one cup of cooked sweet potato gives about 4 g of fiber.

That sold me.

Main Ingredients

For the chili base:

1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey ( 93/7 recommended) look for bright pink, no slimy smell.
1 large yellow onion, diced (~ 1 1/2 cups / 225 g )
1 medium bell pepper, diced (~ 1 cup / 150 g )
3 garlic cloves, minced (~ 1 tbsp / 9 g )
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1/2 inch (~ 2 cups / 600 g ) firm, no soft spots.
1 (28 oz / 796 g) can diced tomatoes, with juices (no added sugar)
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (160 g) frozen corn (optional)

Spices & aromatics:

2 tbsp (15 g) chili powder
1 tbsp (7 g) ground cumin
1 tsp (2 g) smoked paprika
1/2 tsp (1 g) dried oregano
1/4 tsp (0.5 g) cayenne (optional)
1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt to start ( 3/4 tsp ) and adjust
1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper

Finishing:

Juice of 1 lime (~ 2 tbsp / 30 ml )
1/4 cup (15 g) chopped cilantro

Seasoning Notes

Go simple. Chili powder and cumin are your backbone. Add smoked paprika for that smoky turkey and sweet potato vibe. Lime and cilantro lift the whole pot at the end.

Want heat? Add chipotle in adobo. No chipotle? Use extra cayenne. No cilantro? Try parsley or green onion.

If you need lower sodium, use low-sodium cans. If you want creamier, mash a cup of chili and stir back in.

Equipment Needed

Essential only:

Heavy bottomed Dutch oven or large pot with lid (preferred)
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Vegetable peeler
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander for rinsing beans

Common swaps:

No Dutch oven? Use a heavy skillet and a saucepan.
No peeler? Use a sharp knife.
No immersion blender? Use a potato masher.

Pro tip from my kitchen fails: brown turkey in batches. It makes flavor. Use a thermometer if unsure. Cook turkey to 165° F / 74° C if you check.

Honestly, this one-pot is my go-to for a Healthy Weeknight Turkey Chili or meal prep turkey chili with sweet potatoes. Try it.

You’ll thank me.

Cooking Method

Oh my gosh! This one-pot favorite is cozy. Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato hits sweet and smoky. I call it my weeknight hero.

A friend once said, “This tastes like Sunday.” It really does.

Prep Steps

Get a solid mise en place. Peel and cube sweet potatoes first. Dice onion and pepper. Mince garlic and rinse beans. Measure spices into a small bowl.

Save time by prepping the night before. Chop and store in the fridge. Use frozen corn to skip kernels work.

Keep a towel handy to dry hands. Wash cutting board after raw turkey. Cook turkey to 165° F ( 74° C) for safety.

Prep times: 20 minutes active prep. Simmer time: 25– 30 minutes . Total time: about 1 hour .

step-by-step Process

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add 1 lb ground turkey. Brown until no pink shows and edges brown. Visual cue: uniform pale tan with browned bits.
Push turkey aside. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté 3– 4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic 30 60 seconds. Don’t let it burn.
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toast 30 60 seconds until fragrant.
Add sweet potato cubes, canned tomatoes, broth, and both drained beans. Stir to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25– 30 minutes . Visual cue: sweet potatoes yield to a fork. Chili should thicken but stay saucy.
Finish with lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Critical temperature: turkey must reach 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips

Brown in batches for better color. Toast spices to amplify flavor. Mash 1 2 cups of chili for thicker body.

Avoid overcooking the sweet potato. Don’t skip rinsing beans. Common mistake: overcrowding the pan while browning.

make-ahead: this chili improves after 24 hours . Freeze in portions for up to 2 3 months . Meal prep turkey chili with sweet potatoes feels like winning.

This version checks boxes. It’s a Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. It’s a Healthy Weeknight Turkey Chili and a low-fat turkey sweet potato chili. Trust me, it’s worth the cozy bowl.

Recipe Notes

Oh my gosh, this Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato is a keeper. A medium sweet potato gives over 400% of daily vitamin A.

That little fact sold me on adding more of them. I first made this as a Healthy Weeknight Turkey Chili.

It became my go-to for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in deep bowls for cozy vibes. Top with diced avocado, Greek yogurt, or shredded cheddar. For crunch, add tortilla chips or scallions.

Pair with warm cornbread or cilantro lime rice. For drinks, try a crisp lager or unsweetened iced tea. Honestly, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili sings with a cold amber ale.

Storage Tips

Cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Freeze in portions for 2 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Or microwave in 1-minute bursts. Reheat until steaming and reach an internal temp of 165° F for safety.

Variations

Vegetarian swap: use cooked lentils and extra sweet potato. It becomes a hearty Sweet Potato Chili Recipe without meat. For lower fat, keep lean turkey and skip oil.

That yields low-fat turkey sweet potato chili. Add a chipotle for smoky heat. Swap sweet potato for butternut in winter.

Use zucchini in summer. These simple seasonal swaps keep One-pot turkey sweet potato chili fresh.

Nutrition Basics

Per serving, expect about 470 calories , 30 g protein, and 10 g fiber. It’s balanced and filling. Beans add fiber and plant protein.

Sweet potatoes bring vitamins and natural sweetness. The recipe fits Meal prep turkey chili with sweet potatoes plans. It’s great for post workout protein and steady energy.

Final thoughts: I adore this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. It’s flexible and forgiving. Make a big pot, enjoy leftovers, and tweak spices to your mood. Try it tonight you’ll thank me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato too thin, and how can I thicken it?

The quickest fixes are to simmer uncovered for 10 15 minutes so excess liquid evaporates or to remove 1 2 cups, mash them, and stir back in to naturally thicken the base.

You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste while simmering or use a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) if you need an instant thickener. Tip: sweet potatoes absorb liquid as they cook, so adding them a little later or undercooking them slightly will help control final texture.

Can I make this chili ahead, freeze it, and how long will it keep?

This chili is ideal for meal prep cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 4 days, or portion and freeze for 2 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick; microwave works fine for single servings.

Note that sweet potatoes can soften more after freezing, so if you prefer firmer cubes, slightly undercook them initially or add a few fresh cubes when reheating.

What are good swaps if I want a vegetarian or lower carb version of Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato?

To make it vegetarian, replace ground turkey with cooked lentils, extra firm tofu, or a plant based mince and keep the beans for protein and texture; you can also use mushrooms for a meaty bite.

For lower carb versions, reduce or omit beans and replace sweet potato with diced cauliflower, zucchini, or turnip, and boost non-starchy veg like bell pepper and spinach. Always check canned goods and broth labels if you need gluten-free or allergen conscious swaps.

How do I get the deepest flavour any tips for a beginner or a seasoned cook?

Don’t rush the browning: give the turkey room in the pan so it caramelises and creates fond, then deglaze with a splash of broth to lift those flavour bits. Toast the spices briefly after the onions to release their oils, brighten with fresh lime and cilantro at the end, and consider a smoky addition (chipotle in adobo or an extra pinch of smoked paprika) for depth.

For pros: brown in batches, taste and adjust seasoning at the end, and pulse a cup of chili with an immersion blender for a creamier body without dairy.

Is Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato healthy what should I know about calories, protein, and sodium?

This recipe is relatively healthy: roughly ~470 kcal, ~30 g protein, ~10 g fiber, and about 14 g fat per generous serving, though numbers vary by brand and toppings. To lower sodium, use low-sodium canned tomatoes, beans and broth and adjust salt to taste; to reduce fat, use lean ground turkey (93/7) and drain any excess after browning.

If you want more fibre or micronutrients, bulk it out with extra veg like spinach or kale and top with avocado for healthy fats instead of cheese or sour cream.