Hearty & Healthy Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe for Cozy Fall Nights

When the temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, nourishing chili. This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is the ultimate healthy fall comfort food—rich, hearty, loaded with flavor, and easy to prepare.

Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or lazy Sundays, this recipe combines lean ground turkey, naturally sweet chunks of sweet potato, and warming spices in one delicious pot. Whether you’re looking for easy fall recipes for dinner or just a wholesome way to use up sweet potatoes, this cozy chili checks all the boxes.

It’s also freezer-friendly, high in protein, and comes together in just one pot. Looking for something sweet to end the night? Try pairing it with Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for the ultimate fall feast.

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Why This Easy Turkey Chili Is a Must-Try Fall Comfort Food

This recipe is more than just a healthy dinner—it’s a perfect example of how clean fall meals can also be deeply satisfying. Here’s what makes it a standout:

• Nutrient-dense: Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins A and C
• One-pot meal: Less cleanup, more flavor
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
• Customizable for spice or sweetness
• Freezer-friendly and great for batch cooking

If you’re craving a hearty, easy healthy fall dinner that doesn’t rely on cream or cheese for flavor, this chili has you covered.

Who This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Is Perfect For

This dish is a go-to for:

• Busy families needing a weeknight staple
• Meal preppers looking for freezer-friendly options
• Anyone following a clean eating or gluten-free diet
• Those seeking healthy fall chili recipes (crock pot or stovetop)
• Folks looking to stretch simple ingredients into a filling meal

It’s also a great intro recipe if you’re new to cooking with sweet potatoes or lean meats.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting chili. The recipe yields about 6 hearty servings.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, dairy-free yogurt or shredded cheese.

Looking for a spice shortcut? Use this Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe instead of measuring individual spices.

How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the sweet potatoes, beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), broth, and spices. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.

Step 5: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve alongside a slice of Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Cottage Cheese Flatbread for a complete meal.

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Essential Kitchen Tools to Prepare This Fall Chili

You won’t need anything fancy—just a few basics:

• Large Dutch oven or stock pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Can opener

For slow cooking, you’ll also need a 6-quart crockpot.

Tips to Make the Best Turkey Chili Every Time

• Dice sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
• Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor
• Brown the turkey well to enhance texture and taste
• Simmer long enough to let the flavors meld
• Add extra broth if you prefer a soupier chili

Want to sneak in more veggies? Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or even shredded zucchini at the end.

Slow Cooker Instructions for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Want a set-it-and-forget-it version? This recipe works beautifully in a crock pot:

1. Brown the turkey and sauté onion and garlic on the stove.
2. Transfer to your slow cooker along with all remaining ingredients.
3. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Perfect for healthy turkey crockpot recipes during a busy week!

Serving Ideas and Healthy Pairings for Fall Dinners

This chili is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A simple Cucumber Dill Salad
• Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
• A side of Roasted Butternut Squash
• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a savory-sweet contrast

For dessert, treat yourself to Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Apple Crisp with Oatmeal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers the Right Way

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

This recipe actually gets better the next day as the flavors deepen—perfect for make-ahead meals and Freezer Breakfast Bowls planning!

Ingredient Swaps and Variations: Vegan, Spicy, and More

• Make it vegan: Swap ground turkey for lentils or crumbled tofu
• Make it spicier: Add cayenne or chipotle in adobo
• Add grains: Stir in cooked quinoa or bulgur for extra texture
• Switch beans: Use white beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas

Looking for a vegetarian variation? Try this Vegetarian Baked Ziti for your next meatless Monday!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fall Chili Recipes

• Undercooking sweet potatoes – Make sure they’re fork-tender
• Not browning the turkey properly – Adds richness and flavor
• Over-simmering uncovered – May dry out the chili
• Skipping seasoning at the end – Always taste and adjust

Avoiding these will ensure your chili comes out perfect every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics and turkey, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have black beans?
Use any beans you have—white, pinto, or even chickpeas work well.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a large pot or 6-quart slow cooker if doubling.

Final Thoughts + Share This Fall Recipe & Subscribe

This Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is more than a comforting dinner—it’s a celebration of fall flavors made easy. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes, it’s the kind of meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Perfect for meal prep, cozy dinners, or game-day gatherings, this chili is one you’ll come back to all season long.

Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with a friend, bookmark it for your fall cooking list, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more healthy fall recipes like Pumpkin Chicken Chili and Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili.

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