If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple dinner, you’ve got to try my Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe. This chili hits all the right notes—hearty, slightly sweet from the potatoes, and packed with just enough spice to make it interesting. I love this because it’s straightforward, quick to whip up, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without fussing over a long ingredient list.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity in Ingredients: Only five main ingredients means minimal grocery runs and less kitchen clutter.
- Balanced Flavor: Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and spices.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: My family goes crazy for this chili; it’s warming, filling, and perfect for chilly nights.
- Quick and Flexible: Ready in about 40 minutes, with easy swaps to suit your pantry or spice tolerance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The genius of this Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe is that each ingredient pulls double duty, bringing flavor and texture without complicating things. I find that keeping the sweet potato peel on adds a bit of extra fiber and saves time—I’m all about that lazy cook’s win!
- Oil: A neutral oil works great here to sauté your turkey and onions without overpowering the flavor.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth; slicing it lets it soften evenly as the turkey browns.
- Ground turkey: I love using turkey for a lean protein boost that’s still juicy when cooked right.
- Chili powder & taco seasoning: These two spices team up to create that classic chili flavor you crave.
- Sweet potatoes: I chop them small so they cook quickly and blend smoothly, plus leaving the peel on keeps prep simple.
- Garlic: For that aromatic kick that just makes the whole dish sing.
- Water and broth: Combine these to simmer the chili—broth adds flavor depth without extra fuss.
- Black beans: A great protein and fiber addition, plus they bring that lush chili texture we all love.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but recommended if you want a little extra heat; adjust to your liking!
Variations
You’ll love how flexible this recipe really is. While the five ingredients keep it straightforward, I like to mix it up sometimes based on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s mood calls for. Here’s how I tailor it without losing that signature Rockin’ flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground turkey for extra black beans or lentils; it’s still hearty and delicious.
- Spice Level: I discovered that adding more cayenne or a pinch of smoked paprika gives it a smoky heat that everyone appreciates.
- Texture Twist: Sometimes I skip pureeing the sweet potatoes to keep more bite and visual interest, especially when serving for casual family dinners.
- Seasonal Add-ins: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn in summer for a fresh twist.
How to Make Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Turkey and Onions
Heat up your oil in a heavy, deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and ground turkey along with half your chili powder and taco seasoning. Stir everything frequently, breaking up the turkey as it cooks. The water you add here is a game changer— it keeps the turkey moist and helps it cook evenly without drying out. When the turkey is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, scoop this mixture out and set it aside. You’ll notice that keeping the turkey moving in the pan prevents clumps and helps it develop a nice texture. Trust me, this step makes all the difference.
Step 2: Cook and Puree the Sweet Potatoes
Right in the same pot, add your chopped sweet potatoes and sprinkle in the remaining chili powder and taco seasoning. Let the potatoes brown slightly—it adds a caramelized depth that’s so good. Then toss in the garlic, followed by the water and broth. Bring everything to a low boil, then let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender enough to mash with a spoon. This is where I use my immersion blender to puree everything right there in the pot—if you don’t have one, transferring batches to a blender works too. I love this step because it gives the chili a silky texture without cream or dairy.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Pour the browned turkey mixture back into the pot with the sweet potato puree. Add the drained black beans and cayenne pepper, stirring everything together until you get a lovely, thick chili consistency. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let those flavors meld. Give it a taste and add more cayenne if you want some extra heat—I’m always tweaking here depending on my mood and who I’m feeding!
Pro Tips for Making Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
- Keep the Turkey Moving: Adding water during browning helped me avoid dry, tough turkey—this trick keeps it tender every time.
- Use an Immersion Blender: Pureeing the sweet potatoes right in the pot saves cleanup and controls texture effortlessly.
- Don’t Skimp on Browning Sweet Potatoes: Those little browned edges bring a subtle nuttiness that ups the flavor profile big time.
- Balance Your Heat: Adding cayenne gradually helps avoid an overpowering spice level, especially if you’re cooking for kids.
How to Serve Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess and cool down the spice. Sometimes I sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar when I want a melty, indulgent touch. And if you like a bit of crunch, some crushed tortilla chips or pepitas on top are amazing.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this chili with warm cornbread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside roasted veggies or even scoop it over a baked sweet potato for extra sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this chili into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or served it over rice in colorful ceramic bowls. It’s always a hit when I add a few unexpected garnishes like avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for a fun flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and usually find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, so I like to portion it out in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When I’m short on time, pulling out a frozen portion is a lifesaver. Just defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Microwaving works too—just cover it loosely to keep moisture in and stir halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I make the Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions and turkey. For even more heat, try a pinch of chipotle powder or a few dashes of hot sauce. Just remember, it’s easier to add spice gradually than to fix it if it gets too hot!
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What if I don’t have ground turkey?
No problem! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even turkey sausage. Each will bring slightly different flavors but will work well with the sweet potatoes and spices. Adjust cooking time slightly if using fattier meats.
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Is it okay to leave the sweet potato peels on?
Definitely! I often leave the peel on because it’s nutritious and saves prep time. Just make sure to scrub them well before chopping. If you prefer a smoother texture, peeling is fine too.
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Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh sweet potatoes work best for both texture and flavor. Canned sweet potatoes tend to be softer and may make the chili too mushy. If you use canned, reduce the simmering time and adjust seasoning accordingly.
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How long will leftovers last?
Stored properly in the fridge, leftovers will last around 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions and consume within 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Final Thoughts
This Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. I’m always amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so comforting and full of personality. If you’re into effortless dinners that still deliver on flavor and nutrition, this chili will quickly become your go-to. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it on those busy nights—and your family will thank you too!
Print
Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Rockin’ 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Turkey Chili combining tender ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and bold spices for an easy, nutritious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
- 3 sweet potatoes, chopped into small pieces (with peel on)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 14-ounce can black beans
Spices & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided)
- 2 cups water
- 2-3 cups broth (start with 2 cups)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the turkey and onions: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy, deep pot. Add the sliced onion, ground turkey, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Add water as needed to keep the turkey moist and moving around in the pan. Cook until the turkey is browned and crumbled and the onions are soft. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the sweet potatoes: In the same pot, add the chopped sweet potatoes along with the remaining 1 tablespoon chili powder and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Stir to combine and cook until the sweet potatoes have browned slightly.
- Add garlic and liquids: Add the garlic cloves, 2 cups water, and broth to the pot with the sweet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very soft.
- Puree the mixture: Using an immersion blender directly in the pot, blend the sweet potato mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer the mixture carefully to a blender and puree then return to the pot.
- Combine chili ingredients: Stir the browned turkey back into the pot along with the drained black beans and cayenne pepper. Mix well, adjust seasoning to taste, and heat through before serving.
Notes
- Use the sweet potato peel for extra fiber or peel if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your desired spice level.
- The chili powder and taco seasoning are divided between browning the turkey and cooking the sweet potatoes for balanced flavor.
- This chili can be made ahead and reheated; flavors improve over time.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, cheese, or chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 398
- Sugar: 5.3 g
- Sodium: 996 mg
- Fat: 14.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34.9 g
- Fiber: 9.9 g
- Protein: 34.5 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg
