Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili (High-Fiber)

Chef Maxime discovered this hearty turkey chili recipe during a cold winter evening in his Boston kitchen, searching for a warming meal that balanced comfort with nutrition.

As he diced sweet potatoes and opened cans of white beans, he realized he was creating something special—a chili that would become his family’s favorite weeknight dinner.

The combination of lean ground turkey, fiber-rich white beans, and nutrient-dense sweet potatoes creates a bowl of pure comfort that doesn’t compromise on health benefits.

This high-fiber chili delivers over 10 grams of fiber per serving while keeping the calorie count reasonable, making it perfect for those seeking wholesome, satisfying meals.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner party, this turkey and white bean chili offers incredible flavor with minimal effort. For more protein-packed meal ideas, explore our Protein Meals collection, and if you’re planning ahead, check out our Meal Prep Guide.​

Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili (High-Fiber)

This hearty one-pot chili combines lean ground turkey with creamy white beans and tender sweet potato cubes, delivering 32g protein and 12g fiber per serving. Perfect for meal prep and family dinners.

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Servings: 6

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• – 1 large yellow onion diced
• – 4 cloves garlic minced
• – 2 pounds lean ground turkey 93%
• – 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
• – 1 teaspoon black pepper
• – 2 tablespoons chili powder
• – 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• – 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• – 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cubed (½-inch)
• – 2 15-oz cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• – 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
• – 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• – 1 bay leaf
• – 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• – 1 teaspoon maple syrup optional

Equipment

• – Large Dutch oven or heavy pot (5-6 quart)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• – Can opener
• Vegetable peeler
• – Potato masher (optional)

Method

 

1. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onion 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
2. Add ground turkey, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking up chunks.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne. Stir and cook 1-2 minutes to toast spices.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Add one can of beans. Puree second can of beans with ½ cup broth and add to pot.
5. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with remaining salt and maple syrup. Mash some sweet potato cubes for thicker consistency if desired. Serve hot with toppings.

Notes

Store refrigerated up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Chili tastes even better the next day. Can be made in slow cooker (4-6 hours on low) or Instant Pot (12 minutes high pressure). Add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra vegetables.

Calories: 385 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Servings: 6

Summary

This Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili combines lean ground turkey with creamy white beans and tender sweet potato cubes in a perfectly spiced tomato-based broth. The recipe takes approximately 45-50 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being hands-off simmering. It yields 6 generous servings, each packed with 30 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber.

The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that balances the savory spices, while white beans provide creaminess without heavy cream. This one-pot wonder requires minimal cleanup and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. The chili is naturally gluten-free and can be customized with your favorite toppings like Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado.skinnytaste+3​

Equipment for Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (5-6 quart capacity)
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Vegetable peeler
• Potato masher (optional, for thicker consistency)
• Ladle for serving

Ingredients for Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)

Optional Toppings:

• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Lime wedges
• Sliced green onions

Directions for Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.thedefineddish+1​

Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink. Break up any large chunks as you stir.hellospoonful+1​

Step 3: Add Spices and Toast
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat the turkey and onions evenly with the spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, which deepens their flavors and removes any raw taste.evolvingtable+1​

Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes and Liquids
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Pour in one can of drained white beans. Using a blender or potato masher, puree the second can of white beans with ½ cup of the broth until smooth, then add to the pot (this creates a creamier texture).cozypeachkitchen+2​

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. If the chili becomes too thick, add more broth ¼ cup at a time.hellospoonful+1​

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and maple syrup if needed to balance the acidity. For a thicker consistency, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the sweet potato cubes. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.skinnytaste+1​

Tips and Variations for Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

Cooking Tips:

• Pre-cut vegetables the night before to speed up weeknight preparation
• Use 99% lean turkey if you prefer an even lighter version, but add 1 extra tablespoon of oil to prevent dryness
• Toast the spices separately in a dry pan before adding if you want maximum flavor depth
• Let the chili rest for 10 minutes after cooking—this allows the flavors to deepen

Flavor Variations:

• Smoky Chipotle Version: Add 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat
• Herb-Infused: Stir in 2 teaspoons dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried basil with the other spices
• Extra Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn in the last 15 minutes of cookinghellospoonful​
• Creamy Finish: Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or coconut cream just before serving for richnessskinnytaste​

Storage and Make-Ahead:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge
• The chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed

Dietary Modifications:

• Slow Cooker Method: Brown turkey and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on lowhellospoonful​
• Instant Pot Version: Use sauté function for steps 1-3, then pressure cook on high for 12 minutes with natural releasehellospoonful​
• Vegan Alternative: Replace turkey with 2 cups cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh
• Lower Sodium: Use no-salt-added tomatoes and beans, homemade broth, and adjust salt to taste

Nutrition Facts in Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

Nutritional Highlights

This high-fiber chili delivers exceptional nutritional value with each satisfying bowl. The sweet potatoes provide nearly three times your daily vitamin A needs, supporting eye health and immune function. With 32 grams of protein per serving, this meal supports muscle maintenance and keeps you feeling full for hours.

The 12 grams of fiber from beans and sweet potatoes promotes digestive health and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Using lean ground turkey instead of beef reduces saturated fat while maintaining that hearty chili texture. The combination of complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and quality protein creates sustained energy without the afternoon crash.evolvingtable+2​

Dietitian Tips in Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

Registered dietitians recommend this turkey and white bean chili as an excellent option for balanced nutrition. The high fiber content helps you reach the recommended 25-30 grams daily, which most Americans fall short of achieving. Pairing this chili with a small whole-grain roll or cornbread adds additional complex carbohydrates for active individuals.

The white beans offer resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria. For weight management goals, this recipe provides volume and satiety with reasonable calories—perfect for satisfying hunger without overeating. The lean protein-to-fiber ratio makes this ideal for blood sugar management, particularly beneficial for those monitoring glucose levels. Consider adding an extra serving of leafy greens on the side to boost micronutrient intake even further.​

FAQs: 6 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this chili?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute for ground turkey. Use 93% lean ground chicken for similar results, or try diced chicken breast for a chunkier texture. The cooking time remains the same, just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.evolvingtable​

Q2: What’s the best way to prevent sweet potatoes from turning mushy?
Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Add them at the right time (not too early), and simmer gently rather than boiling vigorously. Check for doneness at 25 minutes—they should be fork-tender but still hold their shape.​

Q3: Can I make this chili in advance for meal prep?
Yes, this turkey chili is perfect for meal prep and actually improves in flavor after a day or two. Prepare a big batch on Sunday, divide into individual containers, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.​

Q4: What other beans can I substitute for white beans?
While white beans (Great Northern or cannellini) provide the best creamy texture, you can use black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans. Each type will slightly change the flavor profile and texture, but all work well. You can also use a combination of two different bean varieties for added interest.thedefineddish+1​

Q5: How can I make this chili spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon, add 1-2 minced jalapeños with the onions, or stir in hot sauce to taste at the end. For smoky heat, incorporate 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can also offer hot sauce at the table so each person can adjust to their preference.evolvingtable​

Q6: Is this chili suitable for freezing and reheating?
This high-fiber chili freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving 1 inch of headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick after freezing.hellospoonful​

Conclusion for Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

This Turkey and White Bean Sweet Potato Chili proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and abundant fiber creates a nutritionally balanced meal that supports your wellness goals while delighting your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week ahead, or feeding a crowd at your next gathering, this high-fiber chili delivers on all fronts.

The recipe’s flexibility allows endless customization based on your preferences and what you have in your pantry. Each spoonful brings warmth, nourishment, and that comforting feeling that only a great bowl of chili can provide.

Make a double batch and freeze half for those nights when you need a wholesome meal without the work. For more delicious one-pot meals, explore our Evening Eats collection and discover additional High-Protein Recipes that will transform your weekly menu.

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