Y’all. This chili. It’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s easy, and it’s perfect for football Sundays. The sweet potatoes shake things up from a traditional chili, and the addition of fresh sage gives it just a little something special. And the spice combination…. WOW. There is a lil star ingredient I snuck in there that I bet you all have in your kitchen, but you never thought to use in chili before. Any guesses? 🙂 I thinkkkk you’ll want to put this sweet potato turkey chili on your fall recipe docket this year. You won’t be disappointed!

Simple, healthy ingredients

There’s nothing crazy or complicated about this recipe. Just a fresh spin on such a classic fall dish! It’ll leave you feeling satisfied because it’s not only filling, but packed with nothin’ but good-for-ya ingredients.

• The sweet potatoes and ground turkey give this chili a hearty, yet healthy base.
• The black beans, corn, jalapeños, and onion add some yummy dimension.
• The herbs and spices make every bite super flavorful, warming, and balanced.
• And the toppings round out the dish and add that final touch that takes this chili from amazing to oh-my-i-need-to-make-this-next-sunday-too. (I seriously had no idea how much I love plain greek yogurt on my chili until recently. I’ve never been much of a sour cream gal, but the slight tang from the greek yogurt is soooooo good— I hope you’ll try it!)
  

So what’s the secret little ingredient I promised that you all had in your kitchen right now?

*drum roll please* ….. cinnamon!

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, but it truly ties together all the flavors and is the reason the word “warming” is in the name of the recipe. This chili just wouldn’t be the same without it.

AND THE SAGE.

While yes, I am definitely on a fresh sage kick right now (trying to incorporate it into as many things as I can because, um, it’s an amazing little herb)…. it truly elevates this chili to the next level!

However, if you don’t have any on hand, do not — I repeat DO NOT — let that stop you from making this chili! Feel free to add a teaspoon of dried sage or omit altogether. It will still be delicious 🙂

A game day favorite

I tested this recipe out on Sunday during the Packers game, and it is SUCH a perfect Football Sunday meal! My in-laws so kindly agreed to be my guinea pigs on this one, and let’s just say I think it will be a repeat meal this season in our family 😉

You can easily prep this dish before the game and throw everything together 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve.

Disclaimer: It is a bit spicy (not too spicy for anyone in our family, lol, we like hot things), so if you like a milder chili feel free to leave out the jalapeños or just add one without the seeds.

Alright, let’s dive into the recipe!

Warming Sweet Potato Sage Turkey Chili

Servings: ~8

Cooking Time: ~30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, chopped into bite-size pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, one with seeds + one without (this chili is fairly spicy with just one seeded pepper, so omit seeds completely if you want a milder chili)
• 1 pound ground turkey (we used 98% lean)
• 1 can (14 ounces) black beans (or whichever beans you prefer!), rinsed + drained
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweet corn, rinsed + drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or any kind of broth you like)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 4 ounces tomato sauce
• 5-8 fresh sage leaves, chopped
  
  

Spices:

• 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  

To serve (optional): Cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and greek yogurt (or sour cream)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in large saute pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Cook for 2 minutes, then add sweet potatoes, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with salt + pepper.
2. In a separate large pot, heat another 1-2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add sage and cook 2-3 minutes. Then, add the ground turkey.
3. Once the turkey looks golden brown on the outside, add all remaining spices. Continue cooking turkey until just about cooked through.
4. Once sweet potatoes are just about fork tender, add sweet potato mixture, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, black beans, and sweet corn to the pot with the ground turkey + sage.
5. Turn down heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered about 10 more minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork tender.
6. Serve into bowls and top with cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and/or greek yogurt. Enjoy!

I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Snap a photo of your chili and tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below!

And in case you looove sweet potatoes like me + want more recipes where sweet potatoes are involved— check out my sweet potato black bean quesadillas!