turkey sweet potato chili
There’s nothing quite like a big pot of warm, comforting chili on a chilly fall evening. And when it’s made with tender turkey, sweet potatoes, and a blend of fragrant spices, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. I first made this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili on a particularly busy night when I was in a rush to get dinner on the table, and it’s been a lifesaver ever since. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time, and it’s also a great option for special occasions like game day or holiday gatherings.
What is turkey sweet potato chili?
Think of this recipe as a twist on traditional chili, with the added sweetness of sweet potatoes and the savory flavor of ground turkey. It’s essentially a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a satisfying texture, while the turkey provides lean protein and a boost of energy. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make – just brown the turkey, add in the aromatics, and let it simmer. Second, it’s a great option for busy nights when you’re short on time. And third, it’s a fantastic way to get your family eating more vegetables, especially sweet potatoes, which are packed with fiber and vitamins. What I love most about this recipe is the way the flavors meld together – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
How do I make turkey sweet potato chili?
Quick Overview
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. Simply brown the turkey, add in the aromatics, and let it simmer. The result is a hearty, comforting chili that’s perfect for busy nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced green chilies
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Soak the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Liquid
Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine. Then add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and diced green chilies. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more heat, add more cayenne pepper. If it needs more flavor, add more chili powder or cumin.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
What to Serve It With
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, including crusty bread, cornbread, or a green salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chili
Here are a few tips for perfecting your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:
Zucchini Prep: Make sure to peel and dice the sweet potatoes before adding them to the pot. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the chili, as this can cause the sweet potatoes to break down and the texture to become unappetizing.
Swirl Customization: Feel free to customize the swirl to suit your tastes and preferences. You can add more or less cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Baking Tips: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is perfect for storing and reheating. Simply cool it to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze for later use. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to thin the chili to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker! Simply brown the turkey and cook the aromatics in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: Can I substitute the ground turkey with ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground beef or ground pork for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make this chili in advance?
A: Yes, you can make this chili in advance! Simply cool it to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze for later use. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to thin the chili to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a game-changer for busy nights or special occasions. With its hearty, comforting flavor and easy-to-make preparation, it’s the perfect recipe for your family. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Easy Turkey Sweet Potato Chili No Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 ounces 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 cup onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 10 ounce Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
- 8 ounce tomato sauce
- 0.75 cup water
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- 0.25 tsp chili powder
- 0.25 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Spray a large skillet with oil and heat over medium-high heat. When hot add the turkey and cook, breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with 1 teaspoon salt.
- When meat is browned and cooked through add onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the can of Rotel tomatoes, sweet potato, tomato sauce, water, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through, about 25 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Add 1/4 cup more water if needed. Remove bay leaf and serve.
