Hearty 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 take hours to prepare, this one-pot sweet potato and black bean turkey chili fits the bill perfectly. It’s a wholesome, filling dish that balances creamy sweet potatoes, protein-packed turkey, and fiber-rich black beans with smoky spices. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave comfort food without the heaviness.

A hearty bowl of sweet potato and black bean turkey chili ready to serve

Why This Chili Works for Busy Cooks

This chili is designed to be simple yet satisfying. Using lean ground turkey keeps it light but still packed with protein. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoky spices like smoked paprika and cumin. Black beans bring fiber and a hearty bite, making the dish filling and nutritious.

Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes and less cleanup. You sauté the aromatics, brown the turkey, then add the veggies, spices, and liquids all in the same pot. Letting it simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the sweet potatoes soften to just the right tenderness.

Ingredients 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

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

• 8 oz can tomato sauce

• 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 are easy to find in most grocery stores and can be swapped slightly depending on your preferences or pantry staples.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This base builds the flavor foundation for the chili.

2. Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the meat well adds depth and richness to the chili.

3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices

Stir in the diced sweet potatoes along with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, so the spices coat the sweet potatoes and turkey evenly.

4. 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, which add extra flavor. Mix everything well.

5. Simmer Until Tender

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sweet potatoes will soften 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.

6. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.

Delicious Topping Ideas

Enhance your chili with toppings that add freshness, creaminess, or crunch:

• Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions

• Sliced avocado for creaminess

• A wedge of lime for a bright citrus kick

• Crushed tortilla chips for crunch

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

  
  

These toppings bring extra layers of flavor and texture that make each bite exciting.

Why Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans Make a Great Pair

Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture that balances the smoky and spicy notes of the chili. They also add important nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. Black beans contribute protein and fiber, helping you feel full longer and supporting digestion. Together, they create a chili that is both hearty and healthy.

Tips for Perfect Chili Every Time

• Use small cubes of sweet potato so they cook evenly and become tender within the simmer time.

• Drain and rinse canned black beans to reduce excess sodium and improve flavor.

• Adjust broth amount to get your preferred chili consistency—more broth for soupier chili, less for thick stew-like texture.

• Don’t rush browning the turkey; well-browned meat adds a richer flavor.

• Simmer gently to allow flavors to develop without burning the bottom.

  
  

Meal Prep and Storage

This chili is great for meal prep. It keeps 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.