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High-Protein Turkey Chili With Sweet Potatoes - Hearty, Simple, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Toppings (optional): Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar, avocado, scallions

Method
 

  1. Prep your vegetables. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and chop the jalapeño if using.
  2. Brown the turkey. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Sweat the aromatics. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until softened, 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Toast the spices. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Stir for 30–60 seconds to bloom the spices.
  5. Add the base. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and the sweet potato cubes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Simmer until tender. Cover partially and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
  7. Add the beans. Stir in black beans and kidney beans. Simmer another 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld. Adjust thickness with a splash of broth if needed.
  8. Finish and season. Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat to your liking.
  9. Serve. Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cheese, avocado, or scallions.