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.

The Best Hearty & Healthy Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

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.

Author: Grace
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.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/turkey-sweet-potato-chili/