Let me tell you about one of my favorite recipes that warms my heart and fills my belly—Instant Pot Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili. It’s the kind of dish that practically begs to be shared. I discovered this recipe on a dreary afternoon, and with a chill in the air, it called to me like an old friend. You know, the kind of friend who insists on comforting you with a big, hearty meal? Just the thought of the sweet potatoes mingling with hearty turkey and zesty spices gets me excited! I can almost smell it now!
What I love most about this chili is that it’s packed with nutrition and flavor, all while being incredibly easy to whip up in the Instant Pot. On busy weeknights, this is my go-to solution—quick, satisfying, and family-approved. Every time I serve it, it feels like a warm hug, especially when topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Now, let me show you how to make this delightful dish!
What’s in Instant Pot Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili?
- Ground turkey: A leaner alternative to beef that keeps the chili light yet satisfying. You can also use ground chicken or beef if you prefer.
- Sweet potato: This star ingredient adds natural sweetness and a hearty texture while being rich in vitamins.
- Black beans: These not only boost the protein but also add a yummy creaminess to the chili.
- Kidney beans: A classic chili bean that provides fiber and additional protein. Double the beans for a thicker chili if you like!
- Diced tomatoes: Canned for convenience—I always have a few cans in my pantry. They provide a rich base for the chili.
- Onion and garlic: The aromatic duo that sets the stage for flavor; trust me, you can’t skimp on these!
- Bell pepper: Any color works! It adds crunch and a sprinkle of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The secret sauce for elevating everything and keeping the chili moist.
- Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika give the chili its signature warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust them to your tastes!
- Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies to perfection. A splash of flavor that makes everything better!
- Optional garnishes: Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, or green onions add that finishing touch of freshness.
Is Instant Pot Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This chili is a nutritional powerhouse. The ground turkey provides lean protein, perfect for an active lifestyle. The sweet potato adds a delicious natural sweetness along with a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. Black beans and kidney beans are loaded with fiber and help keep you feeling full longer—bonus! The spices not only enhance flavor but also come with their own health perks, like anti-inflammatory properties.
However, if you’re on a low-sodium diet, keep an eye on the broth and seasoning, as those can be high in sodium. You could always opt for low-sodium broth and adjust the spices as needed. Remember, chili is all about personal taste; it’s your culinary canvas!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or green onions
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili?
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and let it heat up. Add in the olive oil—watch it shimmer!
- Dump in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become friends.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until your kitchen starts to smell divine.
- Now, it’s time to introduce the ground turkey into the party. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula like a pro.
- Once the turkey is browned and everyone’s looking good, toss in the diced sweet potato, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (juices included), and chicken broth. Give it a good stir!
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
- When cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining steam. Open that lid and let the aroma wash over you!
- Give it a good stir, then taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed. Perfection!
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished with anything your heart desires, like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, or green onions!
Chili Tips & Tricks!
- If you like some heat, toss in jalapeños or chili flakes to kick it up a notch!
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. It’s great for meal prep!
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for that perfect companion dish. It’s a meal made in heaven!
So there you have it! Your new fall favorite, Instant Pot Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to comfort meal like it did for me. And please, come back and let me know how it turned out for you! Happy cooking!
