Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Turkey Chili | Healthy High-Protein Crockpot Recipe

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from a bowl of warm chili simmered all day — the aroma filling your home, promising a hearty and nourishing meal. This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Turkey Chili is my go-to recipe when I need something cozy yet light. Inspired by my travels through the Mediterranean countryside, where vegetables and lean meats are the cornerstone of every meal, this chili celebrates simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Ground turkey keeps it high in protein and low in fat, while sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the spice. It’s the perfect one-pot dinner for chilly nights, meal prep Sundays, or game day gatherings.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean, 93% preferred)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh cilantro and avocado for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until lightly browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked turkey to your slow cooker. Stir in sweet potatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and all spices.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips for Success

• Add depth: Use smoked paprika and a touch of cinnamon for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Thicker chili: Let the lid stay slightly ajar in the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or chipotle chili powder for extra heat.
• Make ahead: Store in containers for easy meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!
• Vegetarian version: Skip the turkey and double the beans for a plant-based chili.

Cooking Notes: Why Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Works So Well

This slow cooker turkey chili blends lean protein with nutrient-dense ingredients. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, while ground turkey provides muscle-supporting protein. The slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully — every bite is savory, slightly sweet, and gently spiced. It’s a balanced meal with complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats. Perfect for anyone looking for a heart-healthy, gluten-free, and high-protein dinner.

🥣 Nutrition & Storage Table

Meal Prep Magic: Make Once, Eat All Week

One of the best things about this slow cooker chili is how well it reheats. Divide it into individual containers, add your favorite toppings (avocado, Greek yogurt, or shredded cheese), and you’ve got lunches or dinners ready for the week. You can even turn leftovers into chili-stuffed sweet potatoes, chili nachos, or a protein-packed breakfast with a fried egg on top.

Why This Chili Belongs in Every Healthy Kitchen

Unlike traditional chili recipes heavy on red meat, this turkey and sweet potato version is lighter but just as comforting. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the acidity of tomatoes, while the blend of cumin and paprika gives it that smoky, slow-cooked flavor. It’s hearty enough for meat-lovers but wholesome enough for anyone mindful of nutrition.

FAQs

If you try this Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Turkey Chili, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your bowl on Pinterest or tag me @ChefSofiaCooks — your photos and stories always inspire me.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

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• Author: Chef Sofia
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty, healthy slow cooker sweet potato turkey chili packed with lean protein, beans, and warm spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground turkey

2 sweet potatoes

1 onion

1 bell pepper

3 garlic cloves

1 can black beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups chicken broth

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt, pepper

Olive oil

Cilantro, avocado

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Instructions

1. Brown turkey in olive oil.

2. Add all ingredients to slow cooker.

3. Cook on LOW 6–8 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.

4. Adjust seasoning.

5. Serve with cilantro and avocado.

Notes

High in protein and fiber. Perfect for meal prep. Freezes well.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 9
• Sodium: 480
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 34
• Fiber: 9
• Protein: 29
• Cholesterol: 60

Final Tips

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor and balance the sweetness of the potatoes. Don’t skip the lime juice — it brightens the chili beautifully! Double the batch and freeze portions for quick, healthy lunches.