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Cozy No-Bean Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato

turkey chili with sweet potato - featured image

This hearty, bean-free chili features tender ground turkey and sweet potatoes that melt into a velvety, smoky broth. It’s a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that will convert even the most devoted bean-lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For serving (optional): diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Do not drain fat if using lean turkey.
  3. Add minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in minced chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits (deglaze).
  6. Add cubed sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Stir to combine. Liquid should just barely cover sweet potatoes; add more broth or water if needed.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and starting to break down at edges.
  8. Stir chili. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste). For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or more chipotle adobo.
  9. Optional: Let chili rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best texture, use firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. Don’t overcook sweet potatoes; check at 20 minutes. Smoked paprika is key for smoky depth. Chipotle adds mild heat; start with one pepper and adjust. Chili thickens as it cools; add broth when reheating. Doubles well; use an 8-quart pot.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, no-bean chili, sweet potato chili, healthy chili, gluten-free chili, paleo chili, dairy-free chili, weeknight dinner, comfort food