Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes
This turkey chili with sweet potatoes combines ground turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, and warm spices into a hearty stew. The dish features tender chunks of turkey and silky sweet potatoes in a flavorful, aromatic tomato-based sauce with a comforting, thick texture. It showcases a balance of sweetness and spice, with a vibrant fall appearance.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey lean
- 1 onion yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread peeled and cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, bubbling slightly around the edges. This enhances their sweetness and flavor.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and once shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes aromatic and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can introduce bitterness.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it turns all over a light golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, until no pink remains.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine. Add the chicken broth, cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the turkey to stay tender.
- When the roasted sweet potatoes are done, carefully add them into the chili. Use a spoon to gently stir and coat the chunks with the sauce, mixing in their caramelized edges for extra flavor.
- Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and the flavors to develop fully. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired. The tender turkey, silky sweet potatoes, and fragrant spices create a cozy, vibrant bowl full of fall flavors.
Notes
For a bit of extra richness, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Add beans or a splash of lime juice to customize the chili to your taste. Roasting the sweet potatoes beforehand is key for depth of flavor.