Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Quinoa Turkey Chili packs a double protein punch with the addition of both lean ground turkey breast and quinoa.
Recently I made a big batch of Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Quinoa Turkey Chili and, as most chilis do, it got better and better as the week went on. I reheated a bowl for lunch each day and was happy as a clam with a hot and hearty, protein-packed lunch that was pre-made and ready to rock.
Bonus: because this chili is packed with good for you ingredients, I didn’t feel like I needed a nap afterwards!
Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Quinoa Turkey Chili packs a double protein punch from the addition of both lean ground turkey breast and quinoa. A little sweet from chopped sweet potatoes and a can of baked beans, plus a little heat from classic chili spices makes this dish ultra-tasty, healthy, and filling.
Topped with shredded cheese and tortilla chips — it is a treat! Actually, I must confess that making chili always gets me a little giddy as it’s basically an excuse to eat nachos. As if I needed an excuse, but you know what I mean!
How to Make this Recipe
Start by browning 1lb ground turkey breast with 1 chopped shallot in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season liberally with salt and pepper then stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
Add the cooked turkey to the bottom of a 6 quart crock pot then add 1 large peeled then chopped sweet potato (about 1lb) and a bevy of chili-inspired spices including chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and red chili pepper flakes.
Next add a 15oz can of baked beans plus 28oz crushed tomatoes.
Finally add 3 cups chicken broth and 1 cup uncooked quinoa. The quinoa will continue to absorb chicken broth as the chili cools, so make sure you have some extra on hand for re-heating.
Mix the ingredients together then pop the lid on top and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. That’s it!
Ladle the hot and hearty chili into bowls then top with lots of shredded monterey jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh avocado.
Warm, and ultra-filling – I hope you’ll love this chunky chili with loads of good-for-you ingredients!
More Hearty Chili Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb 99% fat free ground turkey breast
- 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- salt and pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth, plus extra for reheating
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can baked beans
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 large sweet potato, ~1lb, peeled then chopped small
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- Toppings: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped avocado, tortilla chips, green onions
Directions
- Add the ground turkey and shallot to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper then cook the turkey until it's no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the garlic then saute for 30 more seconds. Scrape the mixture into a 6 quart crock pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except toppings, into the crock pot then place a lid on top and slow cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or LOW for 5-6 hours, or until the sweet potatoes and quinoa are tender. Serve with toppings. May need to add more chicken broth when reheating.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
This chili was fantastic! Thank you again for the recipe. Do you think it would freeze well?
I think/hope so – I’ve got some in there right now!
Great, I will give it a go!
Thanks for this unique, sweet and spicy chili recipe! I made it last night, and hubby and I both loved it. We are glad to have lots of leftovers, and my husband said this meal needs to become a regular at our house! I read your blog all the time and most of the recipes I try are yours, so my husband and I both thank you for all the delicious meals we’ve enjoyed. :-)
Yumy, this looks amazing, and I am always on the hunt for new crock pot recipes! Thank you for sharing :)
— Alex at Brainy Girls Beauty
Made this chili tonight and it was delicious!! Thanks for the recipe. Never thought to put sweet potatoes in a chili recipe before, but they tasted soooo good! Added a real creamy texture to the dish. I’m hosting a baby shower Friday morning and using all IGE recipes (Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, Semi Homemade Caramel Cinnamon Rolls, and Mini BLT Quinoa Cups). Looking forward to trying all of these recipes! Keep up the great work!! Love your blog!
Sweet potatoes in chili – I’d never have thought of that myself, but it sounds fantastic! I love all the colors in this dish!
What a wonderful idea- just think of all the fabulous things that go in without a worry.
I’m always looking for new quinoa recipes, this is perfect! In fact, I have it in the crock pot right now and it smells wonderful. I didn’t use sweet potatoes as my husband doesn’t care for them and used pinto beans instead of baked beans. I’m sure it will be just as good. Thanks for the recipe!
Yum!! I may have to half this recipe, but it looks like a wonderful winter treat!
Thank you for this recipe and also for the opportunity to win this Crock-Pot which looks absolutely amazing! Crossing fingers!!
Quick (maybe silly) question:
do you need the stirring crock pot to make this recipe??
Also, how do you know which quinoa to buy?
Definitely not a silly quinoa! You absolutely do not need a stirring crock pot to make this chili – any crock pot will do! Also, you can buy any quinoa you want – I usually stick with the regular kind (not red, black, etc.!)
Oh you silly quinoa ;)
Bahahaha omg I am losing it!
Thank you for making this giveaway easy to enter! I don’t like the ones where you have to have over a hundred entries earned! This is a beautiful crock pot and digital! My dream! Plus, the stirring would be great!
I love doing any type of shopping sans children. It feels like a vacation lol. I used to hate just wandering around stores and now with 2 little girls I can’t wait to do it :)
Amazing looking chili and who knew they make stirring crock pots?! Genius :)
would love to try the recipe– looks delish! Also was excited to enter the giveaway , but can’t see the voting widget you speak of! Is it my computer?!?!
Hey Molly! Are you using Internet Explorer? If so, this widget may not show up on it!