Are you searching for the ultimate cozy and comforting meal that is also packed with incredible flavor and wholesome, nourishing ingredients? This amazing, from-scratch Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is your new go-to recipe. It’s a perfect, hearty blend of lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, beans, and classic veggies, all simmered to perfection in a rich, smoky, and deeply flavorful homemade spice blend.
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a guide to the perfect bowl of soul-warming comfort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen into something truly special. The subtle sweetness of the sweet potatoes is the perfect, delicious counterpoint to the savory turkey and smoky spices. This is the easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing chili that will become a staple in your fall and winter meal rotation.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview: The Ultimate Cozy & Healthy Chili
What makes this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili so spectacular is its perfect balance of savory, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors. The recipe features a fantastic, from-scratch seasoning blend that gives it a much more complex and delicious flavor than any store-bought packet. The addition of tender, diced sweet potatoes not only adds a wonderful, gentle sweetness but also makes the chili incredibly hearty and nutritious. Best of all, this is a “set-it-and-forget-it” slow cooker meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday.
| Metric | Time / Level |
| Total Time | 4-7 hours (depending on slow cooker setting) |
| Active Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Servings | 8 |
The Essential Ingredients for This Hearty Chili
This recipe is built from two perfect, from-scratch components.
- The Homemade Seasoning Blend: This is the secret to a truly superior, restaurant-quality chili.
- The Spices: A classic, perfectly balanced blend of chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano creates a deep, savory, and complex flavor base. The smoked paprika is a key ingredient that adds a wonderful, smoky depth without adding extra heat.
- The Hearty Chili:
- Lean Ground Turkey: An excellent, healthy alternative to ground beef. It is crucial to use a 92-97% lean ground turkey for the best flavor and texture.
- The “Secret” Ingredient (Sweet Potatoes): This is what makes this chili so special! The sweet potatoes become incredibly tender and creamy in the slow cooker, adding a wonderful, subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky spices, and they also help to naturally thicken the chili.
- The Veggies & Beans: A classic, hearty chili foundation of yellow onion, green bell pepper, canned kidney beans, and corn. A single, minced jalapeño adds a touch of bright, fresh heat that is easily customizable.
- The Tomato Base: A rich, flavorful base made from petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates a perfect, thick consistency.
Step-by-Step to the Best Turkey Chili
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you! We’ve also included instructions for making this in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Step 1: Make the Seasoning Blend and Brown the Turkey
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together all the delicious seasonings for the blend: the 2 tablespoons of chili powder, the 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, the 2 teaspoons of salt, the 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, the 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Step 2: Heat the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 pounds of ground turkey. Cook and stir the meat for about 4 minutes.
Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of your prepared seasoning blend to the skillet with the turkey. Continue to stir and break up the meat as it cooks for another 4 to 5 more minutes, until it is completely cooked through.
Pro Tip: Do not skip this browning step! Searing the meat and toasting the spices is a crucial flavor-building step that creates a much deeper, more savory, and more delicious final chili.
Method 1: The Slow Cooker (Low and Slow Perfection)
Transfer the cooked and seasoned turkey to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
Add all the remaining ingredients—the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, diced sweet potato, diced onion, diced bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, minced jalapeño, and the rest of your homemade seasoning blend.
Stir everything together until it is well combined. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the Low setting for 7 hours or on the High setting for 4 hours.
Method 2: The Instant Pot (For a Faster Fix)
Use the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot to complete Step 1 (browning the turkey with the spices) directly in the pot.
Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir well.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before you perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.
Method 3: The Classic Stovetop
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, complete Step 1 (browning the turkey with the spices).
Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir well. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2-3 hours for an even deeper flavor, stirring it occasionally.
The Best Hearty & Healthy Turkey Sweet Potato Chili (Slow Cooker!)
A healthy and hearty chili recipe made with lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes in a slow cooker. The dish features a homemade chili seasoning blend with smoked paprika and cumin. The ground turkey is first browned with a portion of the seasoning to build flavor, then combined in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with diced sweet potato, tomatoes, corn, kidney beans, and other vegetables. The chili is slow-cooked for several hours until the flavors have melded and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Seasoning Blend:
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- For the Chili:
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds 92-97% lean ground turkey
- 2 (14-ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (7- or 8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups (480ml) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14-ounce) can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (seeds removed)
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, green onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices
Instructions
- Make the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Set aside.
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 4 minutes, then add 2 Tablespoons of the prepared seasoning blend. Continue to cook and break up the meat for another 4–5 minutes, until it is completely cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked turkey to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add all the remaining chili ingredients: diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, corn, kidney beans, jalapeño, and the rest of the seasoning blend.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 7 hours or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours.
- Serve the chili warm, with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
Notes
- Browning the ground turkey with some of the seasoning before adding it to the slow cooker is a key step that develops a deeper, richer flavor.
- This recipe is great for meal prep, as it makes a large batch and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To control the spice level, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeño for less heat.
The Ultimate Toppings Bar for Your Chili
Chili is all about the toppings! Set out a variety of small bowls with different garnishes so everyone can customize their own perfect bowl.
- Creamy & Cooling: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, cubes of fresh avocado.
- Cheesy: A generous sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Fresh & Zesty: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro or green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Crunchy: Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips (like Fritos®), salty crackers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chili is the perfect make-ahead meal, as the flavors actually become even deeper and more delicious on the second day!
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire chili a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the chili gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Creative Recipe Variations
- Use a Different Ground Meat: If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, this recipe is also absolutely fantastic with an equal amount of lean ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- Add a Different Bean: If you don’t have kidney beans, you can easily substitute them with an equal amount of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans.
- Make it Even Spicier: For a chili with more of a kick, you can keep some or all of the seeds in your jalapeño. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your spice blend, or for a wonderful, smoky heat, add one finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the other canned tomato products.
Enjoy The Ultimate Cozy & Comforting Meal!
You’ve just created a truly special chili that is a perfect harmony of hearty, healthy, and delicious flavors. This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a testament to the power of a simple, slow-cooked meal to bring comfort and joy. It’s a rewarding and deeply satisfying dish that is sure to become a new family favorite for all the chilly days of the year.
We hope you enjoy every last, warm, and delicious bite!
If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend who loves a good, hearty chili!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I absolutely have to brown the turkey before I add it to the slow cooker?
While you can technically dump all the ingredients in at once, for the absolute best, most flavorful result, yes, it is a highly recommended, non-negotiable step. The process of browning the meat in a hot pan creates the Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction that develops hundreds of new, complex, savory flavor compounds. It is the secret that separates a good chili from a truly great one.
Q2: What are the best toppings for a turkey chili?
The classics are classics for a reason! The most popular and delicious toppings are a cooling dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, some fresh, chopped cilantro, and some crunchy tortilla chips. Cubes of fresh avocado are also a fantastic and healthy addition.
Q3: Can I make this chili a day or two in advance?
Yes, absolutely! Chili is one of the best make-ahead meals. The flavors will actually have even more time to meld and will be even more delicious on the second or third day. Simply let it cool completely and store it in the refrigerator.
Q4: Can I use fresh, cooked kidney beans instead of canned?
Of course! If you prefer to cook your own beans from scratch, you would use about 1 1/2 cups of cooked kidney beans in place of the one 14-ounce can.
Q5: Is this chili very spicy?
As written, this chili is very mild and family-friendly. A single jalapeño with the seeds and membranes removed will add a lovely, fresh, peppery flavor with very little noticeable heat. If you want a spicier chili, you can leave some of the seeds in, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.