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Easy Sweet Potato Turkey Chili in the Slow Cooker

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This easy slow cooker chili combines ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and beans in a smoky, savory broth. It’s a hands-off, crowd-pleasing meal that’s surprisingly healthy and perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)
  • Diced avocado (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)
  • Sliced jalapeños (for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips or cornbread (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer the browned turkey to a 6-quart slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend over the turkey and onions in the slow cooker. Stir well to coat evenly.
  4. Add the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans. Let them heat through.
  7. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. If too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce.
  8. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with desired garnishes: cilantro, cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, jalapeños, and tortilla chips or cornbread on the side.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t skip browning the turkey and sautéing the aromatics. Cut sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Add beans late to prevent them from becoming mushy. This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. For a vegetarian version, omit turkey, double the beans, and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato turkey chili, slow cooker chili, healthy chili, ground turkey chili, easy chili recipe, fall chili, game day chili

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/easy-sweet-potato-turkey-chili-in-the-slow-cooker/