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Faith-Based Wellness

Dr. Don Colbert, MD

New York Times Bestselling Author

Your trusted source for health articles, recipes, and spiritual wellness from the doctor behind Divine Health.

Grandfather and granddaughter laughing while serving turkey sweet potato chili from a slow cooker in a cozy kitchen
Healthy Living Recipes Recipes

Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili (Cozy Fall Dinner)

Healthy Living Slow Cooker Dinner Recipe

Slow Cooker Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Cool evenings call for a big, steamy bowl of chili. This version pairs lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, two kinds of beans and a rich tomato base. The slow cooker does most of the work, so your kitchen smells wonderful when everyone walks in the door. It is perfect for a busy weeknight, a Halloween night supper or a game day crowd.

Prep
20 min
Cook
6 hrs on low
Serves
6
Protein
30 g

The secret: Brown the turkey with the onion and spices first, then mash a few sweet potato cubes into the pot at the end for a naturally thick, velvety chili with no flour.

Ingredients

  • ✓ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ✓ 1 1/2 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
  • ✓ 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • ✓ 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ✓ 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ✓ 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lb), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • ✓ 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ✓ 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • ✓ 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ✓ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ✓ 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ✓ 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • ✓ 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • ✓ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ✓ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ✓ 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ✓ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • ✓ For serving: 1 ripe avocado (sliced), fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Optional add-ins

Stir in 1 diced jalapeño for more heat or a handful of chopped fresh spinach in the last 10 minutes for extra greens. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top adds a cool, creamy finish.

How to Make It

  1. 1Brown the turkeyHeat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook 5 to 6 minutes until no longer pink.
  2. 2Soften the veggiesAdd the onion, bell pepper and garlic to the skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften and the garlic smells fragrant.
  3. 3Toast the spicesStir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute so the spices bloom and coat the turkey.
  4. 4Fill the slow cookerSpread the sweet potato cubes in the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. Spoon the turkey mixture on top, then add the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
  5. 5Cook low and slowCover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are very tender.
  6. 6Thicken naturallyUse the back of a spoon to mash about a quarter of the sweet potato cubes against the side of the pot. Stir well and let the chili rest uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.
  7. 7Taste and serveTaste and add more salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with sliced avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Make It Your Way

Chicken White Bean Style

Swap the turkey for ground chicken, the black and kidney beans for cannellini beans, and the chili powder for 1 teaspoon cumin and a 4 oz can of diced green chiles.

Vegetarian Lentil Chili

Skip the turkey and add 1 cup of dry brown lentils with an extra 1 1/2 cups of broth. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.

Stovetop Version

Cook everything in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 35 to 40 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Why This Recipe Supports Healthy Living

  • Lean protein: Ground turkey and two kinds of beans give you a satisfying amount of protein to help keep you full.
  • Fiber rich: Beans, sweet potatoes and vegetables provide fiber to support healthy digestion.
  • Colorful nutrients: Sweet potatoes, tomatoes and peppers bring beta carotene, vitamin C and lycopene to the table.
  • Clean ingredients: No white flour, no processed meat and no added sugar, just real food with plenty of flavor.

Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Living Tips

Choose BPA free cans. Look for canned beans and tomatoes with no added sugar and, when possible, in BPA free cans. Rinse beans well to remove extra sodium.

Load up the toppings. Avocado adds healthy fat, and fresh cilantro and lime brighten every bite. Toppings help turn a bowl of chili into a balanced meal.

Cook once, eat twice. Chili tastes even better the next day. Make a full batch on Sunday and enjoy easy, nourishing lunches all week.

✦ From Dr. Colbert’s Table

There is something sacred about a warm meal shared around the table. As the days get shorter, let a simmering pot remind you to slow down, give thanks and enjoy the people God has placed in your life.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8, NKJV)

Storage

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened.

Important noteNutrition numbers are estimates and will vary depending on the brands and ingredients you use. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.
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