Turkey Chili Baked Sweet Potato
A hearty and healthy twist on classic chili. Lean ground turkey and kidney beans are simmered in a smoky tomato sauce, then served over a fluffy baked sweet potato and topped with fresh avocado. A perfect one-bowl dinner.
For 4 servings
Bake the sweet potatoes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
TIPBaking the potatoes directly on the oven rack can help the skin get crispier, but place a tray below to catch any drips.Prepare the kidney beans.
If using dry beans, ensure they have been soaked overnight. Drain the soaking water, add fresh water, and cook them in a pressure cooker until soft. Drain and set aside.
TIPFor a quicker meal, you can use one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained.Sauté the aromatics.
- While the potatoes bake, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the turkey and add spices.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute more to toast the spices.
TIPToasting the spices before adding liquids deepens their flavor significantly.Simmer the chili.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, cooked kidney beans, and water. Add the salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Assemble the chili bowls.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, slice them open lengthwise. Gently fluff the inside with a fork.
TIPBe careful when handling the hot potatoes straight from the oven.Top and serve.
Ladle a generous amount of the turkey chili over each baked sweet potato. Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh scallions. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices.
- 2If you prefer a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño with the onions.
- 3The chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch for easy meal prep.
- 4Store leftover chili and baked sweet potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the ground turkey with 1.5 cups of cooked lentils or a can of black beans for a hearty plant-based version.
low carbLow carb
Serve the turkey chili over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of the sweet potato.
quickQuick
Use a 15-ounce can of kidney beans (rinsed) and a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes to reduce the prep and simmer time.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of ground turkey to 600g and add an extra half cup of cooked kidney beans to boost the protein content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Ground turkey provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth, while being lower in saturated fat than ground beef.
Rich in Complex Carbohydrates
Sweet potatoes are packed with complex carbs and fiber, offering sustained energy release and promoting digestive health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
High in Fiber
The combination of kidney beans and sweet potatoes makes this dish very high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very balanced and healthy meal. It provides lean protein from turkey, complex carbohydrates and fiber from the sweet potato and beans, and healthy fats from the avocado.
