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Kid-Approved Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

slow cooker turkey sweet potato chili - featured image

A foolproof, budget-friendly chili made with lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and beans, all simmered in a slow cooker for a rich, comforting meal that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • For serving (optional): shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips or crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Brown the turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape into the slow cooker.
  3. Add the vegetables and beans: Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, drained black beans, and kidney beans. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour in the tomatoes and broth: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir gently.
  5. Season generously: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper over the top. Stir until well incorporated.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender and chili has thickened.
  7. Taste and adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and add an extra can of black beans plus 1 cup frozen corn. For a spicier version, add more cayenne or serve with hot sauce. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, turkey chili, sweet potato chili, kid-friendly chili, healthy chili, easy chili recipe