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Discover the ultimate comfort food: a hearty, flavor-packed Sweet Potato Turkey Chili made in a slow cooker. This dish combines lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and robust spices for the perfect meal prep or family dinner option. If you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes, check out our guide to essential slow cooker meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Bold spices, tender sweet potatoes, and savory turkey create a deliciously satisfying chili perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: The slow cooker handles most of the work with minimal prep time, saving you hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1½ cups onion (diced (about 1 onion))
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup green bell pepper (diced (about 1 bell pepper))
- 5 cups sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed (about 2 large sweet potatoes))
- 30 oz canned tomato sauce
- 16 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 30 oz (2 cans) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey (93% lean is ideal) or substitute with ground chicken for similar results.
- Black Beans: Swap with kidney or pinto beans if preferred. For a guide on choosing alternative beans, you might enjoy our article on bean substitutions for chili recipes.
- Sweet Potatoes: Cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, butternut squash works well as an alternative.
How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Slow Cooker
Step 1: Sauté the Turkey and Onion
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Looking for more turkey-based ideas? See our tips on ground turkey recipes that maximize flavor.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked turkey, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the diced green bell pepper, sweet potatoes, canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, and spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and paprika). Stir everything together to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chili
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chili for 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The chili is ready when the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Adjusting Spice Levels for Your Preferences
- Mild Chili: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and opt for sweet paprika instead.
- Spicy Chili: Add more cayenne or include a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Custom Heat Levels: Serve with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust spice to their preference.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Brown the Turkey: Browning the turkey before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor.
- Even Sweet Potato Cubes: Consistency in size ensures even cooking.
- Bean Prep: Always drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium and preserve texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Browning: Adding raw turkey straight to the slow cooker can lead to bland chili.
- Overloading: Make sure the slow cooker isn’t overfilled to avoid uneven cooking.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Taste the chili before serving and adjust salt and spices to ensure a balanced flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
- Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of crusty bread.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some grated cheese for a creamy topping.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Portion the chili into individual servings and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen chili in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook sweet potato turkey chili in a slow cooker?
The chili usually takes 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for ground turkey with similar results.
How do I adjust spice levels in the recipe?
To make the chili spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño. For a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or exclude it.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground turkey and use an extra can of beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
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Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Transfer the cooked turkey, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the diced green bell pepper, sweet potatoes, canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, and spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and paprika). Stir everything together to combine.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chili for 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The chili is ready when the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.