Cooler days are here, and that means it’s time for warm, comforting food. Chili is always a good idea, and sweet potatoes make it extra special. I’m sharing two of my favorite sweet potato chili recipes today.
Whether you like a hearty plant-based meal or prefer a chili with meat, I have something here you’ll love. Both recipes are easy to make and packed with good flavors. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Sweet Potato Chili: A Comforting Vegetarian Meal
This sweet potato chili is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with vegetables and beans, making it a filling and tasty meal for anyone.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sweet Potato Chili
- Sweet Potatoes: Cut them into even, bite-sized cubes so they cook through at the same time and soften nicely into the chili.
- Spices: Don’t be shy with the chili powder and cumin; they build the main flavor. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth.
- Broth Choice: Use vegetable broth to keep this chili vegetarian. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt.
What You Need for Sweet Potato Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Sweet Potato Chili
Step 1: Start the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Chili
Add the diced sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro or avocado.
📝 Final Note
This chili stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for quick future meals. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili: A Lean & Hearty Meal
This turkey chili is a wonderful option if you want a lighter meat chili. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and make the chili extra filling.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
- Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option. Make sure to break it up well as it cooks to avoid large clumps.
- Broth Choice: Chicken broth adds depth to the turkey flavor. If you want to keep it lighter, use low-sodium options.
- Spice Blend: A good chili powder and a hint of smoked paprika give this turkey chili a classic, comforting flavor.
What You Need for Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, a spoonful of Greek yogurt
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Step 1: Cook the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any extra fat, then remove the turkey and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for one minute more until it smells good.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked turkey to the pot. Add the diced sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, pinto beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir everything together.
Step 4: Cook Until Done
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender and the flavors have blended. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper before serving.
📝 Final Note
This turkey chili is even better the next day! You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s also great for meal prepping.
