Name: Slow Cooker Tender Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp oregano; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

This Slow Cooker Tender Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili is a wholesome, hearty dish packed with lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, black beans, and bold spices. Simmered to perfection, the flavors meld into a deeply satisfying, slightly sweet, and smoky chili that’s perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting yet healthy chili that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili is the perfect choice. Unlike traditional chili, this version swaps out beef for lean turkey, making it a lighter yet still deeply satisfying option. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances the smokiness of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, while black beans and fire-roasted tomatoes add rich texture and depth.

One of the best things about this recipe is its hands-off approach. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a perfectly thick, flavorful chili that tastes like it’s been slow-simmering for hours. It’s an excellent meal for meal prep, as the flavors develop even more the next day.

Whether you’re serving a crowd, feeding a family, or just want to enjoy a cozy bowl of chili on a lazy evening, this dish delivers on both flavor and convenience. Plus, it’s easily customizable—adjust the spice level, swap the beans, or even add some corn for extra sweetness.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For Extra Depth of Flavor: Brown the ground turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall taste.
Thicker Chili? If you love a thicker consistency, mash some of the sweet potatoes with a fork before serving.

Boost the Spice: If you like your chili spicy, add an extra teaspoon of chili powder or diced jalapeños.
Let It Rest: Chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld. If you can, make it ahead of time for even richer taste.
Serving Suggestion: Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Yield: Serves 6

Slow Cooker Tender Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

This slow cooker turkey and sweet potato chili is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish, perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Turkey (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess liquid and transfer the turkey to your slow cooker.
Add the Vegetables and Beans: Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Create the Flavor Base: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Add the minced garlic and diced onion.

Pour in the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is evenly submerged. Give the mixture a good stir.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the sweet potatoes are soft and the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Touches: Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Mash a few sweet potatoes with a fork to thicken the chili, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, Greek yogurt, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

This chili gets better the longer it sits, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Perfect for freezing—great for batch cooking!

Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 299Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 80mgSodium 372mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 5gSugar 4gProtein 25g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Ground Turkey – Using lean ground turkey keeps this chili on the lighter side while still providing a rich, meaty texture. You can opt for 93% lean turkey for a balance of flavor and health benefits.
Sweet Potatoes – These add a natural sweetness and a creamy texture as they cook down. Choose firm, bright orange sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
Black Beans – Packed with fiber and protein, black beans add heartiness. Be sure to drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – These add a smoky depth to the chili. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes work, but adding a pinch of smoked paprika can replicate the effect.
Chicken Broth – Helps create the perfect consistency. Low-sodium broth is best so you can control the seasoning.
Chili Powder, Cumin, and Smoked Paprika – This trio brings warmth, smokiness, and an authentic chili taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.

Garlic and Onion – Essential for building a strong flavor base. Freshly minced garlic and diced onion add a delicious aromatic depth.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the Turkey: Ground chicken or even crumbled tofu works great if you don’t have turkey on hand.
Different Beans: Instead of black beans, try kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture.

Add Corn: A handful of frozen or fresh corn kernels adds extra sweetness and crunch.
Make It Vegetarian: Omit the turkey and double up on beans and sweet potatoes. Vegetable broth will keep the flavors balanced.
Spicier Version: Increase the chili powder, add diced jalapeños, or include a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.

Extra Smoky: Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deeper, smokier flavor.

Storage Options

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier over time.
Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.