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- 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil Ground turkey gives the chili a lean and healthy protein. Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and a hearty texture. Black beans bring fiber and richness to the dish. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add tang and a bit of heat. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a flavorful base. Spices and seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika enhance the overall taste. - Fresh cilantro - Diced avocado - Tortilla chips Garnishes make your chili even more special. Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. Diced avocado gives a creamy contrast to the chili. Tortilla chips offer a fun crunch. You can mix and match these toppings to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften. 3. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant. 4. Stir in 1 pound of ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. This takes about 5-6 minutes. 1. Once the turkey is fully cooked, add 2 diced sweet potatoes to the pot. 2. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to mix well. 3. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 can of black beans that you rinsed and drained. Mix everything together. 4. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sweet potatoes are tender. 1. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder. 2. Remove the pot from heat and let the chili sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. To achieve the perfect turkey texture, use lean ground turkey. Brown it in the pot without overcrowding. Break it into small pieces with a spatula. This gives you that nice, crumbly texture. To ensure sweet potatoes are tender, cut them into even cubes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Add them in when you mix in the spices. Let them simmer long enough, about 25-30 minutes, to become soft and creamy. To add heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or extra chili powder. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. You can also add chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. For toppings, consider fresh cilantro and diced avocado. They add color and creaminess. You can also add shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for richness. Serve the chili hot in bowls for a cozy feel. Top each bowl with fresh cilantro and diced avocado. This makes the dish pop with color. For plating, consider using a wide, shallow bowl. This allows for a beautiful spread of toppings. You can also add tortilla chips on the side for crunch and texture. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Select firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any blemishes for the best flavor and texture in your chili. Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños according to your preference for a spicier chili. Let It Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer enhances the flavors. If you have time, let it cook for an hour on low heat. Add Toppings: Enhance your chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for added flavor and texture. {{image_2}} Making it vegetarian/vegan You can change this recipe to be vegetarian by swapping the ground turkey for lentils or mushrooms. Lentils add protein while mushrooms give a nice texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegan version. Low-carb alternatives If you're looking for a low-carb option, skip the sweet potatoes. Instead, try cauliflower. It cooks well and absorbs the chili flavor. You can also reduce the beans for fewer carbs. Southwestern twist with different spices Want a Southwestern flavor? Use chipotle powder or smoked paprika. You can add cumin and coriander for extra depth. This gives your chili a smoky, spicy kick. Adding seasonal vegetables Feel free to add seasonal veggies to your chili. Zucchini, carrots, or even corn work well. They add color and nutrients, making your dish even more vibrant. Alternative proteins (beef, chicken, or lentils) You can swap out the turkey for ground beef or chicken. If you want a meatless option, lentils work great. They are filling and rich in protein. Using other beans or vegetables You can use any beans you like. Kidney beans or pinto beans add different flavors. For veggies, try bell peppers or carrots for added sweetness and crunch. You can store the chili in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to let it cool down first. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you want to eat it, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For best results, freeze the chili in portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion as it freezes. The chili can last for about three months in the freezer. To thaw, move the chili to the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. When reheating, make sure it heats all the way through. Stir it often to avoid hot spots. Preparing this chili ahead of time is a great idea. You can make a big batch on the weekend. Then, store it in the fridge or freezer in meal-sized portions. This way, you have easy meals ready for busy days. Just heat and enjoy! Can I use sweet potato puree instead of diced sweet potatoes? You can use sweet potato puree. It will change the chili's texture. You may need to adjust cooking time. Start with a smaller amount, then add more if you like. What can I substitute for ground turkey? You can use ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat. Each option gives a different taste. Choose what you enjoy most. How can I make this recipe spicier? To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or more chili powder. You can also mix in fresh jalapeños. Adjust to fit your heat level. General nutritional breakdown This chili packs protein from turkey and fiber from beans and sweet potatoes. It has vitamins A and C from sweet potatoes and peppers. Caloric content per serving Each serving has around 350-400 calories. This depends on how much turkey and beans you use. Ideal serving sizes for different appetites For small appetites, serve one cup. For larger appetites, aim for one and a half cups. Adjust based on your own hunger. Suggestions for side dishes or accompaniments Pair the chili with cornbread for a hearty meal. Tortilla chips add a fun crunch. You might also enjoy a fresh salad on the side. This chili recipe is simple and full of flavor. You need key ingredients like ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans. Follow step-by-step instructions for best results. Use tips to enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t forget the options for dietary needs and ingredient swaps. In the end, chili is versatile. You can make it your own. Enjoy preparing and sharing this dish with friends or family. It's sure to please everyone.

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili made with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro and avocado for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Once the turkey is fully cooked, add the diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and black beans. Mix everything together.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If you like more heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or extra chili powder.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with fresh cilantro and avocado for garnish.
Keyword chili, comfort food, healthy, sweet potato, turkey