When the air turns crisp and evenings call for something warm and wholesome, this Hearty Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is the answer. Packed with tender sweet potatoes, lean ground turkey, beans, and aromatic spices, it’s a comfort meal that fuels your body and lifts your mood. This Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is the kind of healthy crockpot meal that makes both weeknights and weekends a little easier. Whether you call it Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, Slow Cooker Turkey Chili, or your new favorite Quick Chili Recipe, this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe will soon become a family staple.
Why This Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Means Comfort in a Bowl
A Family-Favorite Slow Cooker Tradition
There’s something special about coming home to the scent of Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili simmering away after a long day. I remember the first time I made this Turkey Chili Sweet Potato Crock Pot recipe—it was late autumn, the air was cool enough for sweaters, and the house smelled of roasted garlic and chili spices. As the chili cooked, the sweet potatoes softened into gentle, buttery cubes that soaked up all the savory turkey flavor. That night, with bowls steaming and everyone gathered at the table, it instantly became a household favorite.
Print
Hearty Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This slow cooker chili features lean turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, and warm spices for a healthy, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and delivers rich, savory flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and brown the turkey until no longer pink
2. Transfer browned turkey to the slow cooker
3. Add sweet potatoes onion garlic bell pepper beans crushed tomatoes tomato paste and chicken broth to the slow cooker
4. Stir in chili powder cumin smoked paprika cayenne salt and pepper
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
7. Serve with optional toppings such as avocado cilantro shredded cheese or sour cream
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: crockpot sweet potato turkey chili, turkey sweet potato chili, slow cooker turkey chili, quick chili recipe, sweet potato chili recipe, turkey butternut squash chili, turkey pumpkin chili, hearty chili
Over time, this dish turned into more than just dinner—it became a signal of togetherness. Every fall when the leaves start to turn, we pull out the slow cooker, line up the ingredients, and let the aroma fill the kitchen once again. It’s not just a chili recipe; it’s a cozy reminder that even on the busiest days, good food can bring comfort and calm to the chaos.
The Flavor Inspiration Behind This Quick Chili Recipe
The magic behind this Quick Chili Recipe lies in how it marries simple, nutritious ingredients into something deeply satisfying. The lean ground turkey gives a hearty base without feeling heavy, while the chunks of sweet potato add natural sweetness and body. The butternut squash introduces a hint of nutty richness that rounds out every bite. This combination was born out of experimenting with fall flavors—from the earthiness of squash to the smooth sweetness of sweet potatoes—and taking a cue from Turkey Pumpkin Chili recipes often enjoyed during cozy autumn months.
Like a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this chili checks all the boxes: protein-packed, full of vitamins, and loaded with flavor. It’s hearty enough for game day, nourishing enough for meal prep, and easy enough for anyone looking for a quick, set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Each spoonful captures everything we love about slow cooker meals—the comfort of homemade food, the convenience of minimal prep, and the joy of sharing a healthy dish that tastes like it took all day to make.
Building the Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Ingredients That Make Every Bite Special
One of the best parts about this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is that it uses wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for a rich, balanced flavor. The sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture, the ground turkey provides a hearty yet lean base, and the beans and spices make each bite bold and satisfying.
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (add more for thinner consistency)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for browning
Quick Ingredient Swap Table
| Ingredient | Possible Swap | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | Butternut squash | Nuttier flavor and firmer texture |
| Black Beans | Kidney or pinto beans | Vary texture |
| Ground Turkey | Ground chicken or lean beef | Adjust seasoning as needed |
| Crushed Tomatoes | Diced tomatoes | For chunkier texture |
| Chicken Broth | Vegetable broth | Vegetarian-friendly |
| Chili Powder | Taco seasoning mix | Adds a Tex-Mex flair |
Step-by-Step Method for a Crockpot Chili You’ll Crave
- Brown the Turkey: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey, break apart, and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice sweet potatoes, chop the onions and pepper, and mince the garlic uniformly for even cooking.
- Layer Ingredients: Add browned turkey, vegetables, beans, tomatoes, paste, broth, and seasonings into the Crockpot.
- Set the Cooker: Stir to combine, cover, and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste and tweak seasoning, adding lime juice or extra spice if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Slow Cooker Turkey Chili into bowls and top with avocado, cilantro, or cheese.
Make-Ahead Tip: Brown turkey and chop vegetables ahead, refrigerate overnight, and assemble in the morning for a ready dinner by evening. The slow cook infuses every bite with rich, cozy flavor.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Boosts and Smart Variations
- Add Pumpkin for a Fall Twist: Stir in a cup of pumpkin purée for a creamy Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili variation.
- Adjust the Spice: Reduce chili powder for mildness, or add chipotle, jalapeños, or hot sauce for heat.
- Add Greens or Grains: Mix in spinach, kale, or cooked quinoa for a heartier Sweet Potato Chili Recipe.
- Reinvent Leftovers: Use as taco filling, stuffed pepper mix, or baked potato topping to extend meals.
How to Serve, Store, and Reheat Your Chili
Serving Suggestions: Top your bowls with avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, or serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Storage Instructions: Keep refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight for easy reheating.
Reheating Tips: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or microwave individual servings in one-minute intervals until hot. The slow-cooked flavors deepen with each reheat, maintaining that perfect hearty texture of your Turkey Butternut Squash Chili Crockpot or Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili variations.
FAQs and Cozy Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this chili without beans? Yes, swap beans for extra vegetables like corn or zucchini for a bean-free version.
- How long does it last in the fridge? It stays fresh for 4–5 days when properly stored.
- Can I cook on high heat? Yes, 3–4 hours on High works great, but low and slow yields the richest flavor.
- Is it freezer-friendly? Absolutely, freeze up to 3 months for quick, cozy meals later.
- How can I make it vegetarian? Skip the turkey and use lentils or extra beans with vegetable broth.
- What toppings work best? Try avocado, Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime.
Cozy Conclusion to Your Quick Chili Recipe Adventure
At the end of a chilly day, few meals feel as satisfying as a steaming bowl of Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili. Combining lean protein, naturally sweet vegetables, and robust spices, it’s a wholesome dish that fills both heart and stomach. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or branch out with Turkey Butternut Squash Chili Crockpot or Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili twists, one thing is certain: it brings cozy comfort to the table.
So grab your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let the aroma fill your home. By dinner, you’ll be rewarded with a rich, flavorful Sweet Potato Chili Recipe that everyone will love—a bowl of pure warmth and comfort, perfect for any cool night.
