When the air gets cooler and comfort food cravings kick in, a big pot of Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is exactly what I want simmering on the stove. It’s hearty without being heavy, cozy without feeling indulgent, and packed with bold chili flavor balanced by the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes. Every spoonful feels warming, filling, and deeply satisfying the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment.

This chili is one of those recipes that works for everything: weeknight dinners, meal prep, game day, or lazy Sundays at home. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and easy to make, yet it tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

This chili strikes the perfect balance between healthy and comforting. Lean ground turkey keeps it lighter, while sweet potatoes add heartiness and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with smoky spices.

You’ll love this recipe because:

• It’s hearty, filling, and satisfying
• Made with lean ground turkey
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Easy to make in one pot
• Cozy enough for cold nights but light enough for any day

Once you make it, it quickly becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chili uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans or kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins: bell peppers, corn, jalapeño

The sweet potatoes soften as they cook, thickening the chili naturally and adding incredible texture.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.

2. Brown the turkey

Add ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks.

3. Add spices

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let the spices toast for a minute to deepen their flavor.

4. Add sweet potatoes and liquids

Add diced sweet potatoes, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer until tender

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the chili thickens.

6. Taste and adjust

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder for heat or a splash of broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

7. Serve warm

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

This chili is delicious on its own, but toppings make it even better. Try serving it with:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro or green onions
• Cornbread or tortilla chips
• Lime wedges

It’s perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd.

Tips for the Best Chili

• Cut sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
• Simmer gently to keep the turkey tender
• Use smoked paprika for depth and warmth
• Let chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken
• Add broth gradually to control consistency
• Double the batch — leftovers taste even better

These small details make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Chili: add diced jalapeños or cayenne
• White Bean Version: use cannellini beans instead
• Extra Veggie Chili: add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach
• Slow Cooker Version: cook on low for 6–7 hours
• Creamy Chili: stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end

This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Turkey sweet potato chili is perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

• Refrigerator: store up to 4–5 days
• Freezer: freeze up to 3 months
• Reheat: warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth if needed

The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the sweet potatoes until mushy
• Not seasoning enough — chili needs bold flavor
• Skipping the simmer time
• Adding too much liquid too early
• Forgetting to taste and adjust

Avoid these, and your chili will turn out perfect every time.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is the definition of cozy, nourishing comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good after every bowl. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or warming up on a chilly night, this chili delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Once you make it, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to comfort meals.