When the air turns crisp and your sweaters leave storage, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, hearty chili to comfort you. But what if your favorite comfort food could also be healthy, hearty, and flavorful? Sweet Potato Ground Turkey Chili—a cozy bowl of deliciousness that’s light on guilt, but heavy on taste.
This isn’t your ordinary chili. It’s a unique spin on a classic dish that swaps out the traditional ground beef for lean ground turkey and replaces beans with sweet potatoes. The result? A nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or meal prep for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chili Recipe
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about the why.
- Simple ingredients – Everything in this chili can be found at your local grocery store. No fancy stuff!
- One-pot wonder – Less mess, less cleanup. It all comes together in a single pot.
- Meal-prep friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Loaded with nutrients – Packed with lean protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Gluten-free and dairy-free – Great for those with dietary restrictions.
And let’s not forget—this chili is absolutely delicious. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances the savory spices and lean turkey, creating a flavor combination that feels indulgent without sacrificing health points.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this healthy ground turkey chili:
- Ground turkey – A lean, protein-rich alternative to beef.
- Sweet potatoes – Naturally sweet, packed with fiber, and perfect for replacing beans.
- Bell peppers and onions – For added flavor and nutrients.
- Garlic – Because almost everything tastes better with garlic.
- Tomatoes – Canned crushed or diced tomatoes work great here.
- Chicken broth – Adds richness and helps everything simmer perfectly.
- Spices – Think chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon. Yes, cinnamon—it gives the chili a warm depth that’s irresistible.
Bonus tip: Don’t be afraid to mix in other veggies like zucchini or kale if you have them on hand. This chili is a great way to clean out the fridge!
How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a bit of oil, then toss in your ground turkey. Cook until browned, using a spatula to break it into little pieces. Season it with salt and pepper to build flavor from the start.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Once the turkey’s cooked, throw in your chopped onions and bell peppers. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes until the veggies begin to soften. Add in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 3: Spice it Up
Now it’s time for the spice squad—chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cinnamon. Stir these in and let them toast just a bit to unlock their full flavor.
Step 4: Simmer and Let the Magic Happen
Add in the diced sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, then bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Once the chili has thickened up and the sweet potatoes are cooked through, give it a taste. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne. Need more salt? Toss in a little extra seasoning. Chili is forgiving—so taste as you go.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this sweet potato turkey chili is how versatile it is. Here are a few tasty ways to serve it:
- Top it with avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt if you’re not dairy-free—it’s a great sub for sour cream.
- Serve with cornbread or over a baked potato for an extra hearty meal.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
This chili also stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully. That makes it ideal for make-ahead lunches or emergency weeknight dinners when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Tips for Success
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly – Similar sizes cook evenly, so you won’t get any hard or mushy bits.
- Browning the turkey – Don’t skip this part; it adds a ton of flavor.
- Let it simmer – The longer it simmers, the better the flavors blend together.
- Taste as you go – Adjust your spices based on your taste buds.
Why Sweet Potato and Turkey Are a Winning Pair
You might be wondering—why sweet potatoes and ground turkey? Well, these two ingredients are a nutritional power couple.
Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, beta carotene, and complex carbohydrates that give you energy without the crash. They add a sweet balance to the spices in chili and give the dish a satisfying, hearty texture.
Ground turkey is a lean source of protein and lower in saturated fat than ground beef. It soaks up the spices beautifully, making it the perfect base for chili.
Together, they create a wholesome, comforting meal that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy afterward.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a nourishing, comforting, and easy-to-make recipe that warms you from the inside out, this Sweet Potato Ground Turkey Chili is your new best friend.
It’s healthy enough for weeknight dinners, crowd-pleasing enough for game day parties, and simple enough for beginners to tackle. Plus, it checks off all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, wholesome, and easy to clean up!
So grab your favorite soup pot, cozy up with a bowl, and enjoy the goodness that is this healthy chili. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ready to Make It?
Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this recipe for later! And if you try it out, let me know—what toppings did you use? Did the cinnamon surprise you? I’d love to hear your twist on this cozy, healthy chili!
Happy cooking and stay cozy!
