Sweet Potato Turkey Chili: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal
When the temperature starts to dip and you’re craving something cozy and filling, nothing beats a big bowl of chili. This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food—packed with lean ground turkey, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, and a medley of spices that bring deep, rich flavor to every bite. Whether you prefer to set it and forget it in the slow cooker or whip it up quickly in your Instant Pot, this recipe is easy, flexible, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chili is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and a hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes and cinnamon. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients that make it both hearty and healthy. The green chiles and jalapeño give it just the right amount of kick, while the cumin, paprika, and coriander lend warmth and complexity. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this dish is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, diced into 1″ cubes (or 2 medium-sized)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for extra spice)
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
Directions:
Slow Cooker Method:
- Prep the Aromatics: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Assemble the Chili: Transfer the cooked turkey to your slow cooker. Add in the sweet potato, green bell pepper, diced green chiles, chicken broth, jalapeño, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all of the seasonings. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, stir the chili, and serve warm. Garnish with your favorite toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Instant Pot Method:
- Sauté the Veggies: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat the avocado oil, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the Instant Pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel the sauté mode, then add in the sweet potato, green bell pepper, diced green chiles, chicken broth, jalapeño, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all of the seasonings. Stir everything well.
- Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Quick Release: Once the timer is up, do a quick release to let the steam out. Open the lid, stir the chili, and serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Serving Suggestions:
This chili is fantastic on its own, but you can take it to the next level by adding toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It also pairs well with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for extra crunch. Want more heat? Add an extra jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Recipe Tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze this chili for up to 3 months.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize this chili to your liking by adding black beans, kidney beans, or even corn. You can also substitute ground beef or chicken if you prefer.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Conclusion:
This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a perfect blend of spices, hearty ingredients, and wholesome flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, the slow cooker and Instant Pot methods make it super convenient for any schedule. Give this chili a try and enjoy the warmth and comfort in every bowl!
PrintSweet Potato Turkey Chili
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is a comforting and hearty meal that brings together the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, the mild spice of jalapeños, and the warmth of chili spices, all simmered to perfection. Ground turkey keeps the dish light yet satisfying, while the blend of cumin, cinnamon, and coriander adds layers of flavor you won’t forget.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red onion, chopped
2 pounds ground turkey
1 large sweet potato, diced into 1″ cubes (or 2 medium)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
1 cup chicken broth
1 jalapeño, diced
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 14-ounce can tomato sauce
1/2 tablespoon cumin
3 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon coriander
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, making sure to crumble the turkey with a spatula.
Transfer cooked turkey to the slow cooker. Add sweet potato, green bell pepper, diced green chiles, chicken broth, jalapeño, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all seasonings.
Stir to combine, cover with a lid, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese.
Instant Pot Method:
Set Instant Pot to sauté. Heat avocado oil, then add garlic and onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until onion softens.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Press cancel to turn off the sauté setting. Add sweet potato, green bell pepper, diced green chiles, chicken broth, jalapeño, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Stir well.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set the vent to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once the timer is up, perform a quick release. Open the lid, stir, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320