Oh, have I got a treat for you today! One of my absolute favorite recipes to whip up when the weather turns a bit chilly (or when I’m just in the mood for a cozy night in) is my Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. Trust me, this isn’t your average chili; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply indulging yourself after a long day.
Growing up, chili was a staple in my household – but my mom always made it with beef. When I finally tried making it with turkey and sweet potatoes, I knew I had struck gold! Sweet potatoes not only add a comforting, rich texture, but they also bring a subtle sweetness that complements the spices beautifully. I fondly remember my first attempt at this recipe; I served it to friends on a game day, and let’s just say, they were begging for the recipe by halftime!
What’s in Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
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Let’s break down this amazing recipe! Each ingredient plays its part in creating that warm, ultimate comfort in a bowl.
Ground Turkey: The star protein of this dish! It’s leaner than ground beef and still packed with flavor. I love using a good quality brand like Butterball or Jennie-O for the best results.
Sweet Potatoes: These beauties are sweet, nutritious, and provide a lovely texture. Peeled and diced, they cook down perfectly in the chili.
Black Beans: Canned for convenience, these hearty legumes add protein and fiber. I usually choose low-sodium options to keep things healthy.
Corn: Adds color, a touch of sweetness, and some satisfying crunch. Fresh is great, but canned or frozen works perfectly, too!
Diced Tomatoes: The foundation of any good chili! I opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These two are essential flavor boosters! They add depth and aroma that’s downright irresistible.
Chicken Broth: This acts as the chili’s base, bringing all the flavors together. Homemade is always the best, but store-bought works just fine!
Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, and Paprika: A trio of spices that elevate this dish. Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level – I like it with a little kick!
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch (or more) to bring all those flavors out.
Olive Oil: For sautéing – it’s healthy and gives a lovely flavor.
Optional toppings (like sour cream, cilantro, and shredded cheese): Because let’s be honest, toppings make everything better!
Is Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Good for You?
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Absolutely! This chili is not just a delight to your taste buds, but it’s also packed full of nutrition.
Ground Turkey: A lean protein source, it helps build and repair tissues without excessive fat.
Sweet Potatoes: They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A, which is fantastic for eye health and skin.
Black Beans: A powerhouse of fiber and protein, great for digestion and keeping you full longer.
Corn: Offers excellent antioxidants and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
The only thing to note is that if you’re watching your sodium intake, just check the labels on your canned ingredients and opt for low-sodium versions when available!
Ingredients List
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– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can corn, drained
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese
This recipe serves about 4-6, making it perfect for a dinner party or leftovers for the week!
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
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1. Start by heating that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion looks translucent and oh-so-delicious.
2. Now, add in the ground turkey. Brown it up for about 5-7 minutes while breaking it apart with a spoon. We want it nice and cooked through!
3. Grab those diced sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, and toss them all into the pot.
4. Time for the spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together like the fabulous chef you are.
5. Bring your chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover that pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender.
6. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs it.
7. Serve hot in bowls, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a handful of shredded cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
Chili Variations – Spice It Up!
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Want to make your chili even more fabulous? Try adding some chopped bell peppers for extra color and crunch, or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy! You can also swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or even plant-based meat if you’re going vegetarian.
Feeling fancy? Serve it alongside cornbread or tortilla chips for a heartier meal that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
I can’t wait for you to give this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili a try! It warms my heart (and stomach!) every time I make it. Let me know how it goes, and don’t be shy about sharing your own twists on this recipe. Happy cooking!
