If you’re ready to elevate your dinner game, this Savory Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili recipe is your answer. Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s not just tasty but also easy to make. I’ll guide you through each step, from prepping ground turkey to adding the perfect spices. Whether you’re a chili lover or just curious, this dish will warm your heart and fill your belly. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
To make this chili, gather the following main ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
These ingredients create a hearty base for your chili. The ground turkey adds protein. Sweet potatoes bring sweetness and texture. Beans provide fiber and a creamy mouthfeel. Tomatoes add acidity and depth.
Spices and Seasonings
For the perfect flavor, you’ll need these spices:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
These spices make your chili warm and tasty. Chili powder adds heat. Cumin gives it an earthy flavor. Smoked paprika lends a subtle smokiness. Salt and pepper round out the taste.
Optional Garnishes
To elevate your chili, consider these optional garnishes:
– Fresh cilantro
– Diced avocado
These toppings add color and freshness. Cilantro provides a bright flavor. Avocado adds creaminess and richness. You can serve the chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ground Turkey
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 lb of ground turkey. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. You want it to brown evenly. Lightly season it with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This step adds flavor and helps the turkey cook well.
Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, add the browned turkey. Then, toss in 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced. Next, add 1 can of drained kidney beans and 1 can of drained black beans. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, then add 1 chopped medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped bell pepper. Don’t forget to sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. This liquid helps cook the sweet potatoes and melds the flavors. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The chili is ready when the sweet potatoes are tender. Before serving, taste the chili. Adjust any seasonings if needed. Enjoy your warm bowl of chili!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor of Your Chili
To make your chili really pop, use fresh spices. Fresh chili powder adds a rich taste. Try toasting spices in the pan for a few minutes. This brings out their best flavor. You can also play with the heat. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or jalapeños. For a sweet touch, add a splash of maple syrup or honey. This balances the heat nicely.
Cooking Variations for Different Preferences
You can change this recipe to fit your taste. For a vegetarian option, swap the turkey for lentils or mushrooms. They add great texture and flavor. If you prefer a milder chili, use less chili powder. Adding more beans and sweet potatoes makes it hearty without the heat. You can also try different beans, like pinto or cannellini, for a new twist.
How to Make the Chili Thicker or Thinner
To make your chili thicker, mash some sweet potatoes while cooking. This adds body and creaminess. You can also let it cook longer with the lid off. For a thinner chili, add more broth. Start with half a cup, then check the consistency. Another tip is to blend a portion of the chili in a blender. This gives a smooth texture while keeping some chunky bits.

Variations
Vegetarian Option: Swapping Turkey for Another Protein
If you want a vegetarian option, you can swap the turkey for lentils or quinoa. Both options add protein and a nice texture. Lentils cook well in the slow cooker, making them a great choice. Quinoa adds a light, fluffy feel to the chili. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Adding Extra Vegetables for More Nutrients
Want to boost the nutrition? Add more veggies! Chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach can blend in well. These veggies add color and flavor. They also increase the fiber content. You can toss them in with the other ingredients for more taste and texture.
Different Bean Combinations for Unique Flavors
Explore different bean combinations to change the flavor. Instead of kidney and black beans, try pinto beans or chickpeas. Each type of bean brings a unique taste and texture. Mixing beans can create a fun twist on the original recipe. Just remember to rinse and drain canned beans to keep the chili from getting too salty.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
After you finish your Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, let it cool first. Once it’s cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Store the chili in the fridge for up to four days. If you plan to eat it soon, this is the best way to keep it fresh. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you will know when to eat it.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some chili for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the chili to cool down completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. Frozen chili can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat your chili, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot. This usually takes about 10 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, place your chili in a bowl. Heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Always check that it’s hot all the way through before eating. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili?
Cooking this chili takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. These times help the sweet potatoes become soft and the flavors mix well. The slow cooker does the hard work while you relax or do other tasks.
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you prefer, you can swap ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even pork. Each meat gives a different taste. Just remember to cook the meat first if you use beef or pork. This step adds depth to your chili’s flavor.
What is the best way to store leftover chili?
To store leftover chili, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the chili. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. You can enjoy it later by simply reheating!
In this blog post, we covered how to make Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. We explored main ingredients, spices, and optional garnishes. I shared easy steps for preparation, cooking times, and tips for flavor. You can even try variations like vegetarian options or extra veggies.
Remember, chili is flexible and fun to make. Adjust it to your taste, and enjoy it with friends or family. Happy cooking!
