Sweet Potato Chili (with Ground Turkey or Beef!)

We've made this Sweet Potato Pumpkin Chili dozens of times for both family dinners and guests, and through all that testing we've nailed down the shortcuts that keep it simple and the key steps that make it truly flavorful.

For a more traditional option, our go-to is Carroll Shelby Chili, which we serve every year at our fall party. But when we want something a little unique with extra fall flavor, this recipe always wins. Cozy and warm, it is the perfect choice for adding to your Game Day Recipes for a chilly evening's watch party!

Sweet potato chili ingredients

These are very affordable, long-lasting, and healthy ingredients. You mostly need spices and cans from the pantry.

• Olive oil: You can substitute with avocado oil.
• Ground meat: This recipe is equally tasty with ground turkey or ground beef.
• Red bell pepper: This is our go-to color, but you can use yellow or orange as well.
• Onion: Yellow or sweet onions are best.
• Garlic: You can buy it pre-minced or use a garlic press if you're using fresh cloves.
• Chipotle chili powder: This is more flavorful than regular chili powder and makes this extra tasty!
• Smoked paprika: Again, this is more flavorful than regular paprika and totally worth it!
• Cumin: Use ground cumin, not cumin seeds.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Always feel free to adjust these to taste.
• Mexican oregano: This has a pungent, less sweet flavor than traditional Italian oregano. It's really good in this recipe, but feel free to substitute with regular.
• Cinnamon: This adds a cozy fall flavor, but feel free to reduce or omit it if it's not your favorite.
• Cayenne pepper: The spice will balance out the sweetness of the pumpkin and potatoes. Use however much you prefer.
• Sweet potatoes: We prefer classic orange for this recipe. Make sure to peel them before cutting.
• Crushed tomatoes: Any brand should work well.
• Black beans: We drain them through a strainer, then rinse them with cold water before adding them to the pot. You can substitute with pinto beans or any other favorite.
• Beef broth: You can use a carton, cans, bouillon mixed with hot water, or make it homemade. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable stock, but it will have a lighter flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: This is not the same as pumpkin pie filling. The ingredients should say 100% pumpkin.
• Your favorite toppings: These are all optional, but we often add shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro, green onion, or tortilla chips to the top.

How to make sweet potato chili with ground turkey or beef

Start by heating the oil in a large dutch oven or pot over medium heat. I love using my dutch oven for chili since its thick walls hold and distribute heat evenly for a steady simmer.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the meat, veggies, and spices as directed through step 2. Then pour that mixture into the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, broth, beans, pumpkin puree, and sweet potatoes and give it a good stir.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors are deepened. 

How to freeze

Cool the chili completely, then store it in a large airtight container or Souper Cubes if you want individual servings (this is our favorite way!). This will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge or for several hours at room temperature. Then reheat it over med/med-low heat on the stove top or in the microwave in 30-60 second increments, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it needs to be loosened.

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