This turkey and sweet potato chili is an easy, nutritious meal that combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, beans, and mild spices in a slow cooker.
Perfect for busy families, it offers comforting warmth with a kid-friendly spice level.
The slow cooking method melds flavors while making prep hands-off and easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Using lean ground turkey keeps the chili light and healthy while still providing protein-rich satisfaction.
- Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and nutrients, balancing the mild chili spices for kid-friendly flavor.
- Slow cooking allows all ingredients to blend fully without constant attention, making it ideal for a busy household.
- Including beans adds fiber and heartiness, making it a complete meal in one pot.
Slow Cooker Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
A hearty, family-friendly slow cooker chili loaded with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and mild spices, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 360 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- Approximately 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound/450g), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (mild)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the turkey Add ground turkey to the skillet with onions and garlic. Break up the meat and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker Transfer the cooked turkey mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, kidney beans, black beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook the chili Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors are melded.
- Finish and serve Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the chili hot with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or cilantro.
Helpful Tips
- Use mild chili powder to keep the spice level kid-friendly; add hot sauce separately for adult diners if desired.
- Make sure sweet potato cubes are roughly uniform in size to cook evenly.
- Ground turkey should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For thicker chili, cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes in the slow cooker or remove lid for a few minutes to reduce liquid.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Cool chili to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat chili to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in a regular pot on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook it in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the turkey and onions first, then add all ingredients, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 45 minutes to an hour until sweet potatoes are tender.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute with regular russet potatoes, but the flavor and sweetness will be different. Dice them evenly for proper cooking.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Always verify canned goods to ensure no added gluten-containing ingredients.
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