High-protein fall comfort in ~45 minutes (stovetop or slow cooker)
Lean turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and warm chili spices simmer into a cozy bowl that tastes like game day but fits healthy fall goals.
Why You’ll Love It
- Protein-forward & filling: Lean turkey + beans for Healthy Fall Comfort Meals and steady energy.
- Naturally sweet & savory: Sweet potatoes balance smoky spices—perfect for Healthy Fall Sweet Potato Recipes.
- Two easy methods: Fast stovetop or set-and-forget crockpot for Crock Pot nights.
- Meal-prep smart: Freezer-friendly bowls for busy weeks and Easy Fall Recipes Dinner Healthy.
Serve it with bakery-soft Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls for dunking.
Ingredients (notes only)
- Lean ground turkey (93%) — juicy when seasoned; cook to 165°F/74°C.
- Sweet potatoes — ¾-inch cubes soften into the broth for natural sweetness.
- Aromatics — onion, garlic, red bell pepper for body.
- Spice blend — chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano; pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
- Tomato base + broth — crushed tomatoes + low-sodium chicken broth.
- Beans (optional) — black or kidney for added protein/fiber.
- Bright finish — apple cider vinegar or lime + cilantro.
Add a crisp green side like Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop • ~45 minutes)
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven (medium-high). Cook 1 diced onion, 1 red bell pepper, ½ tsp salt, 4–5 min.
- Brown turkey: Add 1½ lb ground turkey, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper. Cook, crumbling, until no pink; turkey should reach 165°F/74°C. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 min.
- Spice it: Add 1½ Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, pinch cinnamon; toast 30 sec.
- Build chili: Stir in 1 (28-oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 cups low-sodium broth, and 2 cups sweet potato cubes. Bring to a boil; reduce to a lively simmer 18–22 min until potatoes are tender.
- Finish: Stir in 1 can black or kidney beans (drained), simmer 3–5 min. Off heat add 1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar or lime. Adjust salt.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls; top with Greek yogurt or cheddar, cilantro, and jalapeño if desired.
Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
Brown turkey with onion/pepper and spices on the stove. Transfer to slow cooker with tomatoes, broth, and sweet potatoes. Cook LOW 6–8 hr or HIGH 3–4 hr until potatoes are tender. Stir in beans last 20–30 min. Finish with vinegar/lime and cilantro. (Maps to Thanksgiving Chili, Fall Chilli, Crock Pot Soup intent.)
Build a hearty plate with Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes on the side.
Pro Tips
- Season in layers: Salt veg, then turkey, then pot—flavor without excess sodium.
- Thick vs brothy: Simmer uncovered to thicken; add broth to loosen.
- Sweeter or spicier: Extra sweet potato for sweet; chipotle or chili flakes for heat.
- Make-ahead: Chili tastes even better on day 2.
For a lighter “bowl” night, add a scoop of Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl beside smaller chili portions.
Variations (aligned to interests)
- Whole Food Fall Recipes: Skip dairy toppings; finish with olive oil, herbs, and lime.
- Thanksgiving Chili: Stir in leftover turkey (shredded; heat to 165°F) and a handful of corn.
- Bean-Free High Protein: Add ½ lb extra turkey; keep spices the same.
- Pumpkin-Spiced Smoky: Swap ½ cup tomatoes for pumpkin purée + extra smoked paprika.
How to Serve
- Bowls with Greek yogurt, cheddar, cilantro, scallions, lime.
- Over baked sweet potato halves, brown rice, or quinoa.
- With cornbread or the linked Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: 4 days.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (without dairy toppings).
- Reheat: Stovetop over low; add a splash of broth.
- Meal prep: Portion 1½–2 cups per container; add toppings fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef?
Yes. Chicken to 165°F; beef to 160°F then rest.
Will sweet potatoes get mushy in the crockpot?
Cut to ¾-inch and cook on LOW for the best structure; add beans near the end.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil; finish with lime and avocado instead of cheese/yogurt.
Simple Nutrition (estimate, per 1 of 6 servings)
Calories 360 • Protein 28g • Carbs 36g • Fiber 9g • Sugars 10g • Fat 12g • Sodium 640mg
Estimates vary by brands and beans used.
Sweet Potato Turkey Chili (Stovetop or Slow Cooker)
A hearty, high-protein chili featuring lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and smoky spices. Fast stovetop version or all-day slow cooker option — perfect for healthy meal prep or cozy fall dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground turkey (93%)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz / 796 g) crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if available)
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups (about 1 lb / 450 g) sweet potatoes, ¾-inch cubes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
- Greek yogurt, cheddar, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime (for serving)
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- slow cooker (for alternate method)
- knife and cutting board
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper with ½ tsp salt and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey and cook until no pink remains (165°F / 74°C). Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a pinch of cinnamon (if using). Toast for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and sweet potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 18–22 minutes until potatoes are tender. Add beans, if using, and cook 3–5 minutes longer.
- Finish with apple cider vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with desired toppings like Greek yogurt, cheddar, or cilantro.
- Slow Cooker Method: Brown turkey with onion, pepper, and spices in a skillet. Transfer to slow cooker with tomatoes, broth, and sweet potatoes. Cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours. Add beans during last 20–30 minutes. Finish with vinegar or lime juice before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 990mgFiber: 9gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 19800IUVitamin C: 82mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.8mg
Notes
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free; check broth and toppings.
Spicier: Add chipotle in adobo or ¼–½ tsp cayenne for heat.
Bean-free: Increase turkey to 2 lb and add ½ cup extra broth.
Alternate Methods:
• Instant Pot: Sauté aromatics and turkey, then add remaining ingredients (except beans). Pressure cook 8 minutes, natural release 10 minutes, then stir in beans and finish with lime.
• Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Spicier: Add chipotle in adobo or ¼–½ tsp cayenne for heat.
Bean-free: Increase turkey to 2 lb and add ½ cup extra broth.
Alternate Methods:
• Instant Pot: Sauté aromatics and turkey, then add remaining ingredients (except beans). Pressure cook 8 minutes, natural release 10 minutes, then stir in beans and finish with lime.
• Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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