This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a warm and cozy dish that combines tender turkey with sweet potatoes, beans, and spices. It’s hearty and packed with flavor!
I love how the sweet potatoes make it slightly sweet while the spices add a nice kick. Perfect for chilly nights when you want something comforting and filling! 🌶️🍠
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the protein base for the chili. You can swap it with ground chicken or beef if you prefer a different flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or diced mushrooms.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are sweet and creamy when cooked. You could substitute them with butternut squash or even regular potatoes if sweet potatoes are hard to find.
Black Beans: For a different bean option, you can use kidney beans or pinto beans. They both provide great texture and protein.
Spices: The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too. Adjust cayenne for heat; you can always add more later!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Turkey for Chili?
Cooking ground turkey well is key to a great chili. Start by heating the oil and sautéing your onions. Once they are soft, add garlic and then the turkey. Be sure to break it up as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Use a wooden spoon to break up any clumps.
- Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5-7 minutes.
- For added flavor, season the turkey while it cooks, so the spices can mix in well.
Getting this step right helps the turkey absorb all the flavors and keeps the chili hearty!
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 jalapeño, sliced for garnish
- 1/2 avocado, sliced, for garnish
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Turkey Chili will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nice and soft. This will help build a great flavor base for your chili!
2. Add Garlic and Turkey:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells wonderful. Then, add the ground turkey. Use a spoon to break it up and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to season it with salt and black pepper!
3. Mix in the Spices:
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix everything well to coat the turkey and onions evenly with the spices. This will give your chili a lovely flavor!
4. Add the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the diced sweet potato, canned tomatoes (including the juice), black beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all those wonderful ingredients.
5. Bring to a Boil:
Raise the heat to bring the chili to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender and the chili to thicken up nicely.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After the simmering time, taste the chili and see if it needs more salt or any additional spices. You can always tweak it to your taste!
7. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready, serve up your chili hot! Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and avocado. Top it off with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Sweet Potato Turkey Chili! Perfect for those chilly nights! 🍲
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein you choose.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, simply replace the ground turkey with lentils or diced mushrooms. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious and hearty dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you add the sweet potato to ensure they cook through.
