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Nothing chases away the chill like a bubbling pot of slow cooker turkey and sweet potato chili. It is hearty, rich in protein, and simple to set up ahead of time. Everything gets packed in the slow cooker so dinner is ready whenever you are. This dish has made weeknight meals so much easier for my family.
The first time I tried this recipe, it was on a night I had very little energy to cook. My whole family cleaned their bowls and I realized this would be a regular on our fall rotation.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: for a lean protein base, choose 93 percent lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture
- Sweet potato: adds natural sweetness and creaminess, select ones that feel heavy for their size with tight skin
- Diced yellow onion: creates a savory aromatic start, look for firm onions with no soft spots
- Jarred minced garlic: gives punchy flavor and saves time
- Chili seasoning: brings a classic warmth, use your favorite blend or homemade
- Chipotle chili powder: a hint of smoky heat, go easy or bold based on your spice preference
- Crushed tomatoes: thickens the chili and melds flavors, choose whole peeled tomatoes if you want to crush yourself for freshness
- Diced tomatoes: add texture and pops of acidity, check the label for no added salt if you want more control
- Chicken broth: brings everything together with depth and richness, seek low sodium if you want to tailor salt
Instructions
- Brown the turkey:
- Add your ground turkey to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks and sauté until there is no pink left. This step locks in flavor and gives your chili depth.
- Layer everything in the slow cooker:
- Transfer the browned turkey to your slow cooker. Pour in the diced sweet potato, onion, minced garlic, chili seasoning, chipotle chili powder, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and then pour the chicken broth on top. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Slow cook to perfection:
- Cover your slow cooker. Set it to high and cook for two to three hours or to low for four to six hours. The sweet potatoes should be very tender and the flavors well blended.
- Finish and serve:
- Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Top with freshly shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a bright finish or any toppings your family loves.
Sweet potatoes are my favorite part of this dish. Their natural sweetness balances the spices every time. My kids started calling this chili gold because of the color and that has stuck ever since.
Storage Tips
Let the chili cool to room temperature before sealing in airtight containers in the fridge. This chili tastes even better the next day and will last four days. For longer storage, freeze in single portions for easy grab and go lunches.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef. If sweet potatoes are out of season, try butternut squash. For vegetarians, use lentils or black beans instead of meat, and veggie broth instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili over a scoop of rice for a heartier meal or pile it on a baked sweet potato for extra flavor. It is excellent with cornbread on the side and always welcome at tailgates or potlucks.
Cultural Context
Chili is a staple in many American homes, each version reflecting local ingredients and family tradition. This one brings a lighter twist with ground turkey and sweet potatoes, perfect for a modern comfort food table.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try pumpkin or acorn squash instead of sweet potato in late fall. Add corn near the end of cooking for a summer version. Use fire roasted tomatoes in winter for a deeper flavor.
Success Stories
I have heard from so many friends who doubled the batch and brought leftovers to new parents or busy neighbors. People love that it makes enough to share. Everyone always asks for the recipe.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble everything through step two in a gallon ziptop bag, laying it flat in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight and dump straight into the slow cooker in the morning. You can also freeze cooked chili in portions for up to three months.
This slow cooker turkey and sweet potato chili is a lifesaver on busy days. It is sure to be a family favorite you will make again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?
Yes, ground chicken or lean beef can be used for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or canned beans and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- → What toppings pair well?
Popular toppings include cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- → Can I freeze portions for later?
Yes, freeze cooled portions in resealable containers for up to three months. Thaw and reheat gently.