As the air turns crisp and the leaves paint the world in warm fiery hues, my kitchen transforms into a haven of comforting aromas. This recipe for Fall Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes is my secret weapon against the early chill, offering a hearty twist on traditional chili. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a velvety texture that balances the savory turkey perfectly.
What excites me most about this dish is how it captures the essence of fall — cozy, vibrant, and unpretentiously satisfying. It’s a dish that invites lingering at the table, a little chaos of chopping, sizzling, and simmering that feels like a warm embrace. It’s comfort food with a twist, perfect for our colorful season.
Fall Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.1 medium yellow onion
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells aromatic, stirring constantly to prevent burning.3 cloves garlic
- Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes, allowing the meat to develop a slight crust.1 lb ground turkey
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flesh start to soften slightly.2 sweet potatoes
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened.
- Check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The chili should be thick, with the sweet potatoes fully cooked and incorporated into the flavorful sauce.
- Ladle the steaming, hearty chili into bowls and enjoy this vibrant, comforting dish with your favorite toppings or crusty bread.
This chili is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty, embracing simplicity and bold flavors. Its blend of smoky spices, tender turkey, and sweet potatoes makes each spoonful a moment of cozy joy. Sharing it over a crackling fire or during a casual family dinner makes it even better.
As the nights grow longer, this dish becomes a staple — a warm, flavorful reminder of warmth and home. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of the season. Perfect to hold onto a little piece of fall, no matter the weather outside.