This sweet potato turkey chili is a warm and hearty dish packed with flavor. The tender sweet potatoes give it a nice sweetness, while ground turkey adds a healthy twist!
Honestly, it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in and let it simmer. Perfect for chilly nights or meal prep for the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I like to use olive oil for its mild flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil. Both work well in sautéing without altering the taste too much.
Ground Turkey: This is a lean protein choice. If you prefer, you can use ground chicken or even lean beef. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have them, butternut squash makes a great substitute and works similarly in texture and flavor.
Canned Black Beans: Feel free to swap these for kidney beans or pinto beans if that’s what you have. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to lessen sodium.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika make this dish flavorful. You can adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance or substitute with taco seasoning for a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Chili Has the Right Consistency?
Getting the right thickness in chili can be tricky. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect texture:
- Cook the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, as they’ll soften and blend into the chili.
- If your chili is too watery, let it simmer longer without the lid. This helps steam escape, thickening the chili.
- For a thicker consistency, mash a few sweet potato cubes with your spoon and stir them back in.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust your spices and seasoning as it simmers for the best flavor! Enjoy your comforting bowl of chili!
Delicious Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into cubes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth or low sodium stock
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet potato turkey chili will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook until softened, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with a lovely smell!
2. Brown the Turkey:
Now it’s time to add the ground turkey. Cook it by breaking it up with a spoon. Keep stirring until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink. This step ensures your turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat!
3. Mix in Your Spices:
Add in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, along with some salt and black pepper. Stir everything well so the seasonings coat the turkey and onions nicely, making sure you get good flavor into every bite!
4. Add the Vegetables and Broth:
Next, toss in the diced sweet potato, the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices), rinsed black beans, and the cup of chicken broth. Stir all the ingredients together until they’re well mixed. This is where all the yummy flavors start to come together!
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender and the chili to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
6. Final Seasoning:
Taste your chili! This is your chance to adjust the seasonings if you think it needs a little more spice or salt. Don’t be shy about tweaking it to your liking!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm chili hot in bowls, and top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, some fresh cilantro leaves, and squeeze lime wedges over the top for an extra zesty flavor. Enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness of your homemade sweet potato turkey chili!
This dish is not just satisfying but also exceptionally nutritious and colorful! Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that it may add a bit more fat, so you might want to drain some after browning.
What Can I Use Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, butternut squash or even regular potatoes can work as good alternatives. Just make sure to cut them into cubes similar in size so they cook evenly.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey with a mix of lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. You might also want to add extra beans or vegetables to keep it hearty!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.