If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Bursting with layers of flavor, tender ground turkey, and sweet, tender chunks of sweet potato, this chili strikes the perfect balance between savory and subtly sweet. Whether you’re looking to cozy up after a long day or impress friends at a casual dinner, this vibrant, nutritious chili delivers on every count. The best part is how simple the ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both special and soul-soothing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up views of a dark blue pot on a stove with a tomato-based stew inside. In the top view, a woman's hand is pouring many small bright orange cubes, likely sweet potatoes, into the pot filled with red sauce. The cubes form a thick layer on top of the sauce. In the bottom view, the stew now has added small browned meat pieces mixed with the sauce and orange cubes, and another woman's hand is shaking a green-capped bottle to pour dark red powder, probably chili or paprika, over the mixture in the pot. The pot is the same dark blue in both images, and the background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making a chili that’s rich in flavor, vibrant in color, and hearty in texture. Each component enhances the dish uniquely, from the sweetness of the potatoes to the smoky depth of the spices.

Olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté onions and garlic, contributing gentle richness.
Sweet onion, diced: Adds a mild, sweet foundation that blends beautifully with garlic.
Garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic kick and savory depth in each bite.
Ground turkey: A lean protein that soaks up spices while keeping the chili light and healthy.
Petite diced tomatoes, canned: Injects a tangy, juicy brightness to the chili’s base.
Tomato sauce, canned: Creates a smooth, saucy consistency with rich tomato flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a gentle savory undertone, keeping the chili nicely balanced.
Sweet potato, cubed: Offers a sweet, creamy contrast that softens perfectly during cooking.
Chili powder: The heart of the spice mix, giving the chili its signature warmth and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky taste that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Ground cumin: Deepens the earthiness and adds a hint of nuttiness.
Granulated sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and tomatoes.
Frozen corn: Provides a pop of sweetness and a fun, chewy texture.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor in the pot.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced sweet onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant and softly translucent. This builds a flavorful base that sets the tone for everything that follows.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together. Sprinkle a pinch or two of salt and black pepper over the meat to enhance its natural flavor as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink, keeping it tender and juicy.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Spices

Pour in the petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Then, stir in the cubed sweet potatoes along with the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and granulated sugar. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The sweet potatoes will soften and absorb all those wonderful spices, melding the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Corn and Seasonings

Stir in the frozen corn and increase the heat to medium-high until the chili bubbles again. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This final touch of corn adds a little surprise bite within the rich, saucy mixture. Once done, remove the pot from heat, and your chili is ready for serving.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

A dark blue oval pot filled with chunky tomato sauce, with pieces of ground meat and diced carrots visible throughout the sauce. The sauce has a rich red color and thick texture, with some small tomato chunks and beans mixed in. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pot on the right side, slightly stained from the sauce. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a light gray and white striped cloth underneath the lower left corner of the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is where you can get creative and add freshness or extra texture. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brings a burst of green and herbaceous brightness. Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic that melts deliciously into warm chili. And slices of creamy avocado add a luxurious contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Warm cornbread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. A crisp green salad can provide a refreshing counterpart that balances the chili’s richness. For a heartier meal, simple steamed rice is also a fantastic option.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chili in hollowed-out sweet potatoes or mini pumpkin bowls to impress guests with a seasonal flair. A drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also transform each serving into a creamy delight. Layering chili over baked potatoes or tortilla chips creates delicious nachos or loaded potato bowls that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, so leftovers are often even tastier.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing to keep the texture and flavor intact. This way, you’ll always have a nutritious, homemade meal ready to go.

Reheating

Reheat the chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the chili as it reheats.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef will work well and add a richer taste, though the chili will be a bit heavier. Ground turkey keeps the chili lighter and leaner but feel free to swap according to your preference.

What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be great alternatives. They offer a similar texture and sweetness, though sweet potatoes remain the most classic choice for this recipe.

Is this chili spicy?

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe has a gentle warmth from chili powder and smoked paprika but is not overly spicy. You can always add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a bit more heat.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the turkey and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sweet potatoes and spices provide plenty of flavor to keep it satisfying and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for chilling evenings or anytime you want something wholesome and filling, this chili brings comfort, flavor, and easy preparation into beautiful harmony. Trust me, once you make it, it might just become a staple in your recipe collection!

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe