Fall in Nashville smells like cinnamon, crisp leaves, and something bubbling on the stove. And let me tell you, this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili has been my go-to when the weather flips and sweaters come out of hiding. It’s hearty, healthy, and a cozy hug in a bowl perfect for those Easy Healthy Fall Dinners we crave when the days get shorter and the couch gets cozier.
What You’ll Need from Your Pantry and Why
Every spoonful of this chili balances sweet and savory, spice and comfort. Let’s break down what’s doing the heavy lifting in this pot.
Ground Turkey: It’s lean, protein-rich, and tender, soaking up all those chili spices like a champ. You can use light or dark meat—whatever’s on sale or in the freezer.
Sweet Potatoes: The heart of this chili. They add sweetness, creaminess, and body. No need to peel ’em, just scrub and cube.
Carrots: Yep, Chili With Carrots is a thing, and it works. They add subtle sweetness and more fall-friendly fiber.
Kidney + Black Beans: A double dose of plant-based protein and texture. Feel free to sub with whatever bean is chillin’ in your pantry.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Bring smokiness and acid that wakes everything up. Regular diced tomatoes will do if needed.
Chili Powder + Cumin + Smoked Paprika: The classic trifecta. Warm, earthy, and smoky.
Onion, Garlic, Jalapeño: The flavor foundation—don’t skip ’em. The jalapeño adds a whisper of heat, not a slap.
Olive Oil + Salt + Black Pepper: Trusty flavor anchors.
Let’s Cook This Chili
This is a one-pot wonder that starts on the stove and ends with your whole kitchen smelling like fall magic.
Start with olive oil in a Dutch oven or big pot over medium heat. Brown the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as you go.
Next, toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Give them a good stir and let them soften for 5–7 minutes just enough to get them thinking about being tender.
In go the garlic and jalapeño. Stir for a minute until fragrant. You’ll know it your nose will say “now we’re talking.”
Now the party starts: add your spices, tomatoes (with juices!), beans, and a splash of water or broth. Bring the whole pot to a simmer and let it bubble, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes. Stir every so often and enjoy the scent. You’re officially in the middle of Fall Cooking Recipes Healthy season.
Once everything’s soft and the chili is thick enough to coat the back of your spoon, you’re done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even great cooks trip up sometimes. Here’s what to watch for when making this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili:
Undercooking sweet potatoes: Give them time to soften. Nobody wants crunchy cubes.
Overcrowding the pot: If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger pot or cook in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning.
Skipping seasoning layers: Salt and spice as you go—not just at the end. It’s what makes chili crave-worthy.
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground turkey
- – 1 large sweet potato cubed
- – 1 onion diced
- – 2 carrots chopped
- – 1 jalapeño minced
- – 2 cloves garlic
- – 1 can diced tomatoes
- – 1 can tomato sauce
- – 1 can black beans
- – 1 can kidney beans
- – 2 tsp chili powder
- – 1 tsp cumin
- – 1 tsp smoked paprika
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Brown turkey in olive oil.
- Add onions, carrots, sweet potatoes; cook 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and jalapeño.
- Add tomatoes, sauce, beans, and spices.
- Simmer uncovered 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Notes
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Great for Crock Pot cooking.
- Easily made vegetarian.
- Add broth for thinner consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely, and it actually gets better with time. The flavors deepen overnight. Just store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, friend! Just skip the turkey and add more beans—try lentils, pinto beans, or even crumbled tofu. Add extra oil when sautéing veggies to keep that richness we love.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
No problem. Skip the jalapeño or use just half with the seeds removed. You can also mellow the heat with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream when serving.
Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey?
Yep! This chili is flexible. Ground chicken, beef, or even leftover rotisserie chicken will all work beautifully. Just keep the seasonings bold to stand up to the protein.
This One’s a Keeper, Y’all
Fall’s too short to eat boring food, and this Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is everything I want in a bowl—nutritious, satisfying, and just plain comforting. Whether you’re planning your Fall Chili Recipes Crock Pot menu or just need a warm hug after a long day, this one delivers. So light that candle, throw on your coziest sweater, and let this chili do its magic.
Want more cozy inspiration? I loved this thoughtful article from The Healthy Maven, packed with smart chili tips and topping ideas for sweet potato turkey chili fans like us!
