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There's nothing like a warm bowl of chili on a chilly night, and this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili checks all the boxes. It's made with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a mix of smoky, savory spices that bring major flavor without the fuss. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy one-pot dinner, this healthy chili recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Chili is a classic fall dinner, and this sweet potato version is perfect for the season. It's lightened up with ground turkey, but still has earthy, comforting flavors, like my Shepherd's Pie with Ground Turkey.
It's a warm, comforting dish, delicious served with Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding, Green Beans with Bacon, and Parmesan Puff Pastry Twists!
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Ingredients for this Recipe
- Sweet Potatoes - The sweet potatoes in this dish are steamed and then mashed before being added to the chili. It helps to thicken it while also providing amazing flavor.
- Ground Turkey - Either ground turkey or ground turkey breast can be used for this chili to provide a rich and hearty flavor that pairs well with the sweet potatoes. Alternatively, ground beef or chicken could also be used.
Variations to Try
- Beans - Add a 14-ounce can of black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans alongside the tomatoes.
- Extra Veggies - Add chopped bell pepper, a small bag of frozen corn, or a handful of chopped fresh kale.
- Vegetarian - For a hearty vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey for two 14-ounce cans of garbanzo beans.
- Spicy - Add a diced jalapeno, or two!
How to Make Sweet Potato Chili with Ground Turkey
Prep Sweet Potatoes - Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then steam them using a steamer basket or an Instant Pot (instructions below).
Prep the Veggies - While the sweet potatoes are cooking, peel and chop the onions and tomatoes, and set them aside.
Cook the Onions - In a Dutch oven, cook the onions with the olive oil for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Cook the Turkey - Add the ground turkey and seasonings, then cook a few more minutes until the turkey is browned.
Add the Broth - Add the tomatoes and broth, and let the mixture simmer while you finish the sweet potatoes.
Mash Potatoes - When the potatoes are done steaming, mash or puree them to your desired consistency.
Finish the Chili - Stir the sweet potatoes into the chili and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chili has thickened slightly and the tomatoes are cooked.
How to Steam Sweet Potatoes
I use two different ways to steam my sweet potatoes. Either an Instant Pot or a steamer basket in a pot on the stovetop. Below are the steps for either method so you can decide which option works best for you.
Instant Pot Method
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into one-inch cubes.
- Place them in the inner pot with 1 cup of water.
- Place the lid on and lock it into position, making sure the release valve is set to the "sealing" position.
- Using the manual setting, set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once it comes to pressure, it will seal and begin the cooking time.
- Once the cook time is complete, carefully flip the release valve to the "venting" position to quickly release the pressure.
Stove Top Method
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into one inch cubes.
- Add about one inch of water to a large pot and place a steamer basket inside.
- Place the sweet potatoes in the steamer basket, cover it with a lid and place on the stovetop on medium high heat.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft and easily mashed.
Glossary
If you don't recognize a tool or skill I mentioned, you can look it up in my Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information!
Amanda's Expert Tips
- For a more chunky chili, lightly mash the potatoes with a potato masher or the back of a serving spoon. For a smoother chili, process the potatoes through a potato ricer or puree them using an immersion blender.
- If you don't want to steam the sweet potatoes separately, you can peel and chop them and add them to the chili when you add the broth and tomatoes. You will simmer them in the chili until they are fork-tender. Cooking times may be slightly longer.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, use only 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. Additional chicken broth can also be added if the chili is too thick.
Storage Instructions
Cool the chili completely and store it in an airtight container in refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Frozen chili should be defrosted in the refrigerator before heating. Chili can then be reheated in a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in a microwave-safe container.
Hearty Soup Recipes
If you loved this recipe for sweet potato turkey chili, check out these other hearty soups that I know you will love too!
Recipe
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1 medium red onion
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- avocado, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into one-inch cubes and steam them using either an Instant Pot or a steamer basket. (Instructions Below)
- While the sweet potatoes are steaming, dice the onions and chop the tomatoes, and set them both aside.
- Heat a dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop over medium heat and add the olive oil and diced onions. Cook the onions, while stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften and are slightly translucent.
- Add in the ground turkey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth and reduce the heat to medium low.
- Mash or puree the steamed sweet potatoes to the desired consistency and stir them into the chili.
- Bring the chili to a boil over medium high heat and then reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chili is slightly thickened and the tomatoes are cooked.
- Serve topped with sliced avocado if desired.
Notes
- For a more chunky chili, lightly mash the potatoes with a potato masher or the back of a serving spoon. For a smoother chili, process the potatoes through a potato ricer or puree them using an immersion blender.
- The sweet potatoes can be added directly to the chili without steaming them first. Peel and chop them and add them to the chili with the broth and tomatoes. Simmer until they are fork tender. Cooking times may be slightly longer.
- For a thicker chili, use only 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. Additional chicken broth can also be added if the chili is too thick.
How to Steam Sweet Potatoes
- INSTANT POT: Add peeled and cut sweet potatoes to the instant pot with 1 cup of water. Cover with the lid, set the steam valve to the "sealing" position and cook on manual pressure for 10 minutes. When the cooking time is completed, carefully flip the steam valve to the "venting" position to quickly release the pressure.
- STEAMER BASKET: Add peeled and cut sweet potatoes to a steamer basket in a pot with approximately one inch of water. Cover the pot and bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook for approximately 20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Substitutions and Variations
- Turkey - Either ground turkey or ground turkey breast can be used for this chili. Alternatively, ground beef or chicken could also be used.
- Beans - Add in one 14-ounce can of black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans with the tomatoes.
- Extra Veggies - Add a chopped bell pepper, a small bag of frozen corn, or a handful of chopped fresh kale with the tomatoes.
- Vegetarian - For a hearty vegetarian version of this sweet potato chili, substitute the ground turkey for two 14-ounce cans of garbanzo beans or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Spicy - Add a diced jalapeno or two with the red onion.
Jamie
This was such a great recipe!!! Perfect for a cold evening. I used a yellow onion and beef broth since that’s all I had on hand but oh my gosh it was so so good, I will absolutely make again. It was hearty without being heavy, if that makes sense. I also added some kale to it for extra veggies, next time I’ll add a bit more broth as well but this is a keeper for sure.
Amanda Scarlati
I have done kale in it and it's delicious! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂