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Fall Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes

This hearty chili combines ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a smoky spice blend in a thick, flavorful stew. The dish is simmered until the ingredients meld together, resulting in a comforting, rustic chili with a slightly chunky texture and vibrant seasonal colors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey lean preferably
  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-9 minutes, until it’s no longer pink.
  4. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to coat the meat evenly with spices.
  5. Add the diced sweet potatoes and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the pot. Stir everything together so the flavors combine.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
  8. Uncover and taste the chili. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired, simmering for another 5 minutes if needed for flavor to develop.
  9. Serve the hearty chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, shredded cheese or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes after cooking or simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.