Smoky Tomato & Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato
A vibrant, spicy chili with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a rich tomato base, delivering a warming kick without beans. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground turkey, avocado oil, large sweet potato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 1 lb ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced sweet potato, 1 medium diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring to combine, and cook for 5 minutes until onion is translucent and sweet potato begins to soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper; bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until sweet potato is tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro until evenly distributed and the aroma is fresh.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Tomato & Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoky Tomato & Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tomato & Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoky Tomato & Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoky Tomato & Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato?
American whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.