Description
This Turkey Chili Smothered Sweet Potatoes recipe pairs hearty, mildly spiced turkey chili with naturally sweet, baked sweet potatoes. The tender baked sweet potatoes are hollowed and filled with a savory turkey chili made with tomatoes, black beans, and warm spices, then topped with melted cheddar and fresh herbs for a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 small sweet potatoes (about 3/4 lb. each) ($3.94)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($0.43)
- Cilantro or green onions for garnish ($0.25)
Turkey Chili
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
- 1/2 lb. ground turkey ($2.00)
- 1 yellow onion ($0.32)
- 2 cloves garlic ($0.16)
- 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes ($0.59)
- 3 oz. tomato paste (1/2 of a 6oz. can) ($0.25)
- 1 15oz. can black beans ($0.79)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder ($0.30)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin ($0.05)
- 1 cup water ($0.00)
- 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes and prick the skins several times with a fork. Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and soft, easily pierced through the fork holes.
- Cook Turkey Chili Base: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and sauté until it begins to brown. Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add both to the pot and continue cooking until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Simmer Chili: Drain the black beans and add them to the pot along with diced tomatoes (including juices), tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes finish baking. Season with salt to taste (approximately 1/2 tsp).
- Assemble and Finish: Once the sweet potatoes are done, carefully slice each one lengthwise and soften the insides by lightly mashing with a fork. Spoon about 3/4 cup of the turkey chili over each sweet potato. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the filled potatoes to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to prick the sweet potatoes deeply to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing them from bursting.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños during cooking.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by cooking the chili in advance and reheating before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American