This Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is warm, filling, and packed with flavor. The sweet potatoes add a little natural sweetness, while the turkey keeps it hearty without feeling too heavy. I make this recipe often during busy weeks because the slow cooker does most of the work. Just toss everything in, let it cook, and dinner is ready.
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this chili, I wanted something that felt comforting but wasn’t too heavy. I had a couple of sweet potatoes sitting in the pantry and some ground turkey in the fridge, so I tossed them together in the slow cooker and hoped for the best.
A few hours later, the whole kitchen smelled amazing. The sweet potatoes became soft and creamy, the turkey soaked up all the spices, and the beans made it extra filling. Since then, it’s become one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, reliable, and always tastes great.
What I love most:
- The slow cooker does almost all the work.
- Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness.
- Ground turkey keeps it hearty and satisfying.
- Great for meal prep.
- Tastes even better the next day.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Freezes well.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium 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 (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
- Dice the sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Browning the turkey first adds much more flavor.
- Don’t open the crockpot often while cooking because heat escapes.
- If you like thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes.
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt if needed.
Tools You’ll Need
- Black oval crockpot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground chicken instead of turkey.
- Swap kidney beans for pinto beans.
- Add 1 diced bell pepper for extra vegetables.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado.
Make Ahead Tips
- Dice the sweet potatoes and onion up to 2 days ahead.
- Brown the turkey the day before.
- Store all prepared ingredients in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Freeze cooked chili for up to 3 months.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice 1 medium onion and mince 3 cloves garlic.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Add 1 pound ground turkey and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the browned ground turkey, 4 cups diced sweet potatoes, 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 drained and rinsed 15-ounce can black beans, 1 drained and rinsed 15-ounce can kidney beans, 1 can diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper into the crockpot.
Step 4: Stir Everything Together
Stir all ingredients until evenly combined and the seasonings are distributed throughout the liquid.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the finished chili into bowls and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars that balance the savory spices.
- Slow cooking gives the spices time to spread through the broth.
- Beans add starch, which helps create a thicker chili.
- Browning the turkey creates deeper flavor through caramelization.
- Tomatoes provide acidity that balances the richness of the meat and beans.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting sweet potatoes too large, which makes them cook unevenly.
- Skipping the turkey browning step.
- Adding too much broth, which can make the chili thin.
- Opening the crockpot repeatedly during cooking.
- Undercooking the sweet potatoes.
What to Serve With
- Cornbread
- Warm dinner rolls
- Tortilla chips
- Green salad
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Steamed rice
Macros Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 345
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
- The chili often tastes even better the next day.
FAQ
Q: Can I put raw turkey directly into the crockpot?
A: Yes, but browning it first gives the chili much better flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make this chili spicy?
A: Yes. Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Q: Can I freeze this chili?
A: Absolutely. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Q: How do I make the chili thicker?
A: Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or mash some of the sweet potatoes.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Yes. Ground beef works very well in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is one of those easy recipes that delivers big flavor with very little effort. The sweet potatoes, turkey, beans, and spices come together into a rich and comforting meal that is perfect for busy days. Give it a try, make it your own with your favorite toppings, and come back to leave a comment with your results or any questions you have. Happy cooking!