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Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Sweet potato turkey chili with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potato cubes, and black beans simmered until thick and hearty. Finished with bright lime and classic toppings like sour cream, cheddar, and cilantro.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein and aromatics
  • 2 lb ground turkey Use lean or extra-lean if available.
  • 1 onion Dice finely so it softens quickly.
  • 4 garlic Minced for even distribution.
Vegetables and beans
  • 2 sweet potatoes Peel and cube into ~1-inch pieces for even tenderness.
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans Drain well.
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes No need to drain.
Broth and spices
  • 4 cup chicken broth Use unsalted if you want to better control seasoning.
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon Adds warmth without tasting sweet.
  • 0.5 Salt and pepper to taste Adjust gradually; broth and tomatoes vary in saltiness.
Serving toppings
  • Sour cream Add to bowls after simmering.
  • cheddar Shred or grate for melting on top.
  • cilantro Chop for a fresh finish.
  • lime Serve wedges for juice and brightness.

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Brown the turkey and build flavor
  1. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, stirring until cooked through, then drain excess fat.
  2. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes, then add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
Simmer the chili
  1. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sweet potatoes, and black beans to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  2. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Season and serve
  1. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with sour cream, cheddar, cilantro, and lime.

Notes

Pro tip: cube the sweet potatoes to about 1-inch so they finish tender in the same 20-25 minute simmer. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days in a sealed container; freeze up to 3 months (cool fully before freezing). For a dietary swap, use extra-lean ground turkey to reduce total fat while keeping the same chili flavor.