Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines ground turkey with the sweetness of sweet potatoes, making it a perfect meal for any time of the year. This chili is not just comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a wholesome meal. With a blend of spices that creates a rich and satisfying flavor, you’ll find this recipe easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Why We Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is not just another chili recipe; it brings together the lean protein of ground turkey with the nutritious benefits of sweet potatoes. You’ll appreciate the balance of flavors: the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balanced by spices like chili powder and cumin. Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prep—it’s simple to make and keeps well in the fridge or freezer. You can enjoy it on its own or topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream and fresh cilantro. This recipe also caters to various dietary preferences, making it a flexible option for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients about Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Directions
Start by heating the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onions and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking it for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, push the onions and garlic to the side of the pan to make space for the ground turkey. Add in the turkey, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it for about 7-8 minutes or until it’s well browned. This browning adds depth to the chili’s flavor. After browning the turkey, incorporate the sweet potato cubes into the mixture, allowing them to sauté for another 2 minutes to absorb some of the flavors.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. This will form the base of your chili. Now, it’s time to add the spices: add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if you’re looking for an extra kick. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring that the spices coat the turkey and vegetables evenly.
Bring the chili to a boil. Once you see bubbles forming, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This simmering time will allow the sweet potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
After the first round of simmering, it’s time to add the drained corn and black beans. Stir them into the chili, cover it again, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll want to ensure that the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash a few sweet potato cubes against the side of the pot to incorporate them into the broth.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is ready to serve hot. You can optionally garnish it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The coolness of the sour cream pairs wonderfully with the warmth of the chili.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Serving your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili can be just as fun as making it. You can ladle it into bowls and let everyone add their own toppings. Consider providing sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or shredded cheese for customization. A crusty piece of bread or a warm tortilla can be a great addition for dipping into the chili.
If you’re hosting a gathering, chili is a fantastic option. Set up a chili bar where guests can add their own toppings. Pair the chili with a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. Don’t forget to have some warm cornbread or tortilla chips available. This dish is filling enough to stand alone but versatile enough to complement a variety of sides.
Expert Tips: Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
To create the best Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, consider these expert tips. First, be sure to use freshly minced garlic and spices. Their freshness greatly enhances the overall flavor of your chili. Keep an eye on the consistency; if you prefer a thicker chili, allow it to simmer uncovered for a little longer.
Don’t be afraid to adapt the seasoning to suit your tastes. If the chili could use more heat, bump up the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. For a smokier flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika.
If you make it ahead, let the chili cool completely before refrigerating it. This helps preserve the flavors and makes reheating easier. Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. When storing, consider portioning the chili into individual servings for easy reheating during busy days.
How to Store Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Storing your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a breeze. After it has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. The chili will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags with as much air removed as possible.
When frozen, your chili can last for up to 3 months. It’s convenient to have ready-made meals on hand. To reheat, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave. If you prefer, you can also reheat it directly from the freezer, just be prepared to add extra time to heat it through.
Variation of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
There are endless possibilities when it comes to variations of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the ground turkey with your favorite plant-based protein, such as lentils or chickpeas. You can also add a variety of other vegetables to increase the nutritional value. Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can enhance both flavor and texture.
If you’re in the mood for something spicier, consider adding diced green chilies or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of beans; kidney beans or pinto beans can be great substitutes for black beans.
For a different flavor profile, try experimenting with sweet potato alternatives. Butternut squash or pumpkin purée can lend new dimensions to the dish. Adjust the spices accordingly to maintain a balance between sweet and savory.
FAQ
What makes Turkey Sweet Potato Chili different from regular chili?
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is unique due to the addition of sweet potatoes, which provide a natural sweetness and a rich texture that complements the spices. The use of ground turkey offers a leaner protein option compared to traditional beef.
Can I make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it for later use. The flavors will develop even further as it sits.
Is this chili spicy?
The level of heat can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili includes cayenne pepper as an optional ingredient. You can omit it or increase its amount for more heat.
How long does Turkey Sweet Potato Chili last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your chili can last for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
Yes, you can freeze this chili. It freezes well in airtight containers or freezer bags and can last up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it before reheating for the best results.
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 15-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices and seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) For additional heat
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
Beans and extras
- 1 15.25-ounce can corn, drained
- 1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- to taste Sour cream (optional for serving)
- to taste Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the onions and garlic to the side, add ground turkey, and break it apart as it cooks for 7-8 minutes until browned.
Cooking
- Incorporate sweet potato cubes and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir to combine, coat turkey and vegetables evenly, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add drained corn and black beans; stir, cover, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- If desired, mash a few sweet potato cubes against the pot for a thicker chili.
Serving
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
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