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Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato

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This Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet potatoes break down during the slow cook, naturally thickening the chili and adding a creamy texture that balances the lean turkey perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb / 450g), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz / 227g) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher), plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Brown the Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain off excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Push the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the empty space. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir everything together.
  3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Add the diced sweet potatoes on top. Do not stir yet.
  4. Add the Liquids and Spices: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and flavors have melded.
  6. Final Adjustments: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. If chili is too thick, stir in a splash of broth. If too thin, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let chili rest for 10-15 minutes after turning off the heat. Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash a few cooked sweet potato cubes against the side of the slow cooker and stir in. Alternatively, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) stirred in during the last 15 minutes. Toasting the spices in the skillet before adding liquids can deepen the flavor. Always peel sweet potatoes to avoid tough skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy chili, turkey chili, crockpot chili, sweet potato chili, slow cooker chili, healthy comfort food, meal prep, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/healthy-crockpot-turkey-chili-with-sweet-potato/