Collage of tomato-based turkey chili with orange sweet potato cubes and black beans, shown in a glass bowl, a cooking pot, and a white bowl. The servings are topped with chopped tomatoes, onion, peppers, and leafy green herbs. Bold text names the crockpot sweet potato black bean turkey chili.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Black Bean Turkey Chili (Healthy and High Protein)

This Crockpot Sweet Potato Black Bean Turkey Chili is a hearty, tomato-based chili made with lean ground turkey, black beans, tender sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and warm spices. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker after the turkey and vegetables get a quick start on the stovetop.

The sweet potato brings a mild sweetness that works so well with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Black beans add more substance, while the ground turkey keeps the chili meaty without overpowering the vegetables.

Why This Crockpot Sweet Potato Black Bean Turkey Chili Works

There is a nice balance of flavors and textures in this chili. Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create the base, and chicken broth lets you control how thick or brothy the finished bowl will be. The sweet potato softens as the chili cooks, but you still get those tender pieces throughout.

Browning the turkey before it goes into the crockpot is an important step. Cooking it with the diced onion and bell pepper breaks up the meat and gives the vegetables a head start. Add the minced garlic during the final minute so it becomes fragrant without spending too long in the hot skillet.

How Spicy Is This Turkey Chili?

You can easily adjust the heat. Chili powder provides most of the classic chili flavor, and the recipe gives you a range so you can season it to taste. Cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano round everything out without adding a lot of heat on their own.

For a little more kick, include the optional Rotel or diced green chiles. Leave them out for a simpler tomato base with less heat. Taste the chili near the end of cooking and adjust the salt, black pepper, and other seasonings before serving.

Tips for Getting the Right Chili Consistency

The amount of chicken broth makes the biggest difference in the finished consistency. Use the lower end of the broth range for a thicker chili. Add more when you want it a little soupier.

A few other details help the chili cook evenly:

Peel and cube the sweet potato so the pieces can become tender in the crockpot.
Drain and rinse the black beans before adding them.
Stir the ingredients well so the seasonings are distributed through the tomato base.
Use the larger amount of ground turkey for a meatier chili or the smaller amount for a greater balance of turkey, beans, and vegetables.

How Long Does Turkey Chili Cook in the Crockpot?

Cook the chili on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. It is ready when the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have blended.

The sweet potatoes are the best way to check doneness. If they are still firm in the center, let the chili continue cooking before making your final seasoning adjustments.

Can I Leave Out the Rotel or Green Chiles?

Yes. Rotel or diced green chiles are completely optional. The diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetables, garlic, and seasonings still provide the main chili base. Adding Rotel or green chiles gives the pot a little more chile flavor and heat.

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