Autumn Sweet Potato and Turkey Chili Recipe

Every fall, I crave more than just roasted turkey or pumpkin pie. I love how the changing leaves make everything feel like a warm hug – so I decided to turn those feelings into a chili that’s unexpectedly vibrant. Instead of the usual beans and ground beef, this version features tender chunks of turkey and sweet potatoes that melt into a hearty, slightly sweet sauce.

The aroma alone brings me back to crisp autumn afternoons. The spices linger like a comforting secret – cinnamon, smoked paprika, a dash of cocoa. It’s a bowl that sparks nostalgia while offering a fresh twist on seasonal flavors.

Behind the Recipe

I started making this chili when I wanted a version that felt a little lighter than traditional beef chili but still filling enough to count as a full meal. Sweet potatoes were the missing piece—they add body and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. After a few tweaks to get the timing right so everything cooks evenly, this became a fall staple in my kitchen.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Turkey chili gained popularity as a lighter alternative to beef chili, especially in home kitchens focused on balanced comfort food. Adding sweet potatoes is a more modern twist, reflecting seasonal cooking and a preference for natural sweetness over added sugar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty but lighter: Ground turkey keeps it filling without heaviness
• Seasonal flavor: Sweet potatoes bring cozy fall vibes
• Well-balanced spice: Warm without overwhelming heat
• One-pot friendly: Easy cleanup
• Meal-prep ready: Tastes even better the next day
• Family-friendly: Mild enough to customize with toppings
• Freezer-friendly: Perfect for stocking up

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Brown the turkey well: Builds deeper flavor
• Cut sweet potatoes evenly: Ensures they cook through
• Season in layers: Add spices early, adjust at the end
• Finish with acid: A squeeze of lime or splash of vinegar lifts the chili

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Large pot or Dutch oven: For stovetop simmering
2. Cutting board: For prep
3. Sharp knife: Makes chopping easier
4. Wooden spoon: For stirring
5. Measuring spoons: For spices

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Ground turkey: Lean protein that stays tender
2. Sweet potatoes: Add natural sweetness and body
3. Onion: Builds the savory base
4. Bell pepper: Adds color and mild sweetness
5. Garlic: Adds depth and warmth
6. Canned diced tomatoes: Create the chili base
7. Tomato paste: Adds richness and thickness
8. Chicken or vegetable broth: Helps everything simmer smoothly
9. Chili powder: The main flavor backbone
10. Ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness
11. Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smoky depth
12. Salt: Enhances all flavors
13. Black pepper: Adds gentle heat
14. Optional beans: Black or kidney beans add extra heartiness

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground turkey → ground chicken: Similar texture and flavor
• Sweet potatoes → butternut squash: Slightly nuttier sweetness
• Bell pepper → poblano pepper: Adds mild smoky heat
• Beans → lentils: For a different texture

Ingredient Spotlight

• Sweet potatoes: Naturally thicken the chili as they soften
• Ground turkey: Absorbs spices well without overpowering

Autumn Sweet Potato and Turkey Chili

This chili features tender chunks of turkey and sweet potatoes simmered in a spiced, slightly sweet tomato base. The dish showcases a hearty, thick texture with a rich aroma of warming spices and seasonal flavors, resulting in a comforting, visually vibrant bowl.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• Ground turkey: Lean protein that stays tender
• Sweet potatoes: Add natural sweetness and body
• Onion: Builds the savory base
• Bell pepper: Adds color and mild sweetness
• Garlic: Adds depth and warmth
• Canned diced tomatoes: Create the chili base
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and thickness
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Helps everything simmer smoothly
• Chili powder: The main flavor backbone
• Ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness
• Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smoky depth
• Salt: Enhances all flavors
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat
• Optional beans: Black or kidney beans add extra heartiness

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For stovetop simmering
• Cutting board: For prep
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping easier
• Wooden spoon: For stirring
• Measuring spoons: For spices

Method

 

1. Heat oil: Warm oil in a large pot over medium heat
2. Cook turkey: Brown ground turkey until cooked through
3. Add aromatics: Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened
4. Add spices: Mix in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika
5. Stir in tomato paste: Let it cook briefly to deepen flavor
6. Add liquids and vegetables: Add tomatoes, broth, and sweet potatoes
7. Simmer: Reduce heat and cook until sweet potatoes are tender
8. Finish: Adjust seasoning and add beans if using

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Texture & Flavor Secrets

• Slow simmer: Allows sweet potatoes to soften without falling apart
• Balanced spice: Smoky and warm, not aggressive
• Natural thickness: Sweet potatoes add body without starch

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Stir occasionally: Prevents sticking
• Add broth gradually: Control thickness
• Taste near the end: Sweet potatoes mellow spice over time

What to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pot: Makes browning harder
• Overcooking turkey: Can dry it out
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Chili needs final tuning

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 620mg

Preparation Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cook: 40 minutes
• Total: About 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days
• Freeze: Freeze portions up to 3 months
• Reheat gently: Add broth if thickened

How to Serve This Dish

• Classic: With cornbread or crackers
• Toppings: Sour cream, cheese, avocado, green onions
• Over grains: Serve over rice or quinoa

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Chili-stuffed sweet potatoes: Double down on flavor
• Chili nachos: Use as a topping
• Chili bowls: Add roasted vegetables
• Breakfast hash: Serve with eggs

Additional Tips

• Let it rest: Flavor improves overnight
• Double the batch: Freezes beautifully
• Customize heat: Add chili flakes or hot sauce

Make It a Showstopper

• Set up a topping bar: Let everyone customize
• Finish with fresh herbs: Cilantro or parsley add brightness
• Serve in warm bowls: Keeps chili hot longer

Variations to Try

• White turkey chili: Use white beans and green chilies
• Spicy fall chili: Add chipotle peppers
• Bean-heavy version: Increase bean variety
• Slow cooker version: Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours
• Pumpkin turkey chili: Stir in pumpkin puree

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?: Yes, brown turkey first
2. Is this chili gluten-free?: Yes
3. Can I skip the beans?: Absolutely
4. Does it freeze well?: Very well
5. Can I make it spicier?: Add peppers or chili flakes
6. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?: Fresh is better for texture
7. How do I thicken it?: Simmer uncovered or mash potatoes
8. Can I use ground beef?: Yes, if preferred
9. How long does it last in the fridge?: About 5 days
10. Can I double the recipe?: Yes, it scales easily

Himani Jawa

Hi there! I’m Himani and welcome to Val’s Recipe Box. This little corner of the internet didn’t begin with me.
It began with Val my neighbourhood aunt whose kitchen held more warmth than any fireplace ever could.