Delicious One Pot Sweet Potato and Black Bean Turkey Chili Ready in 30 Minutes

When you want a meal that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t weigh you down, this one-pot sweet potato and black bean turkey chili fits the bill perfectly. It’s a hearty, wholesome dish packed with flavor and nutrition, ready in just 30 minutes. Combining lean ground turkey, creamy sweet potatoes, and smoky spices, this chili offers a comforting bowl that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is simple, fast, and uses just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious chili and why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

A hearty bowl of sweet potato and black bean turkey chili with fresh toppings

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chili relies on fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground chicken

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 8 oz can of tomato sauce

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (add more if you prefer a thinner chili)

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp oregano

• ½ tsp salt, or to taste

• ¼ tsp black pepper

  
  

These ingredients combine protein, fiber, and complex carbs, making this chili a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your chili in one pot:

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

1. Brown the turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes.

1. Add veggies and spices

Stir in the diced sweet potato, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, coating everything evenly with the spices.

1. Add liquids and beans

Pour in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, black beans, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits and mix well.

1. Simmer

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sweet potatoes should be tender, and the chili will thicken. If it looks too thin after 15 minutes, uncover the pot for the remainder of the cooking time to help it thicken.

1. Taste and adjust

Give your chili a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference.

Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Chili

Adding toppings can bring extra flavor and texture to your chili. Here are some tasty options:

• Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions

• Sliced avocado for creaminess

• A wedge of lime for a bright, citrusy kick

• Crushed tortilla chips for crunch

• A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for richness

  
  

These toppings let you customize each bowl and add a fresh contrast to the warm, smoky chili.

Why This Chili Works So Well

This recipe hits the right notes for a healthy and satisfying meal:

• One pot convenience means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your food.

• Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a creamy texture, balancing the smoky spices.

• Black beans provide fiber and plant-based protein, complementing the lean turkey.

• Smoky spices like smoked paprika and cumin give the chili depth without overpowering the other flavors.

• Lean ground turkey keeps the dish light but filling, making it a great option for those watching their fat intake.

  
  

The combination of ingredients creates a chili that feels indulgent but is actually packed with nutrients.

Tips for Success

• Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly and become tender within the 30-minute cooking time.

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor that enhances the chili’s depth.

• Adjust broth quantity depending on how thick or soupy you like your chili.

• Don’t rush the simmering step; it allows flavors to meld and the chili to thicken naturally.

• Make it vegetarian by swapping turkey for extra beans or lentils and using vegetable broth.

  
  

Meal Prep and Storage

This chili is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.