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Healthy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Turkey Chili - Cozy, Flavorful, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1–1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93% or 99%)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2–3 tablespoons chili powder (to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning turkey)
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar, avocado, cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. This step builds flavor and improves texture.
  2. Sweat the aromatics (optional but recommended): In the same pan, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
  3. Load the slow cooker: Add sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and broth.
  4. Season generously: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute spices.
  5. Set and cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours. The chili is done when the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
  6. Adjust and thicken: Taste and add more salt, chili powder, or cayenne if needed. For a thicker chili, remove the lid and let it simmer on High for 20–30 minutes, or mash a few sweet potato cubes and beans into the mixture.
  7. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and add your favorites—Greek yogurt, cheddar, avocado, cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime.