Cranberry Orange Turkey Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Bean Chili
Ground turkey chili takes an autumnal spin when combined with earthy black beans, hearty sweet potato cubes, tart cranberry sauce, and a splash of orange juice. Browning the meat on the stovetop first locks in savory depth, while the slow cooker gently breaks down the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. The natural sweetness from the fruit balances the earthy heat of the chili powder, resulting in a rich, thick bowl that simmers mostly hands-off throughout the day.
Why this one works
- Sweet potatoes soften into the broth, lending natural body and thickness.
- Tangy cranberry sauce and orange juice brighten up lean ground turkey.
- Simple prep requires only basic stovetop browning before hands-off slow cooking.
- Balanced combination of lean protein, hearty beans, and root vegetables.
- Fills the kitchen with warm, aromatic citrus and chili spice notes as it simmers.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey Brown thoroughly in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker to develop savory flavor and good texture.
- 2 cups (300g) cubed sweet potatoes Cut into uniform bite-sized cubes so they soften evenly during the cooking time.
- 1 cup (180g) black beans Sturdy black beans hold their shape and texture well throughout the long slow cooking process.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cranberry sauce Adds subtle fruit sweetness and gentle acidity that complements the warm chili powder.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice Provides bright citrus liquid that helps blend the sauce ingredients together.
- 1 tbsp (15g) chili powder Delivers warmth and classic chili aroma without overpowering the sweet-tart fruit notes.
- 2 cups (300g) potatoes, cubed
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What to have nearby
- Large skillet for browning ground turkey
- Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Chef's knife and cutting board for cubing sweet potatoes
Step-by-step instructions
The process begins by thoroughly browning the ground turkey on the stove to build foundational flavor and ensure proper texture. Once transferred to the slow cooker with the vegetables, fruit accents, and seasonings, a quick stir distributes everything evenly before the low-and-slow heat takes over.
- 1Step 1
Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- 2Step 2
Add the cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, cranberry sauce, orange juice, and chili powder to the slow cooker.
- 3Step 3
Stir until well combined.
- 4Step 4
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- 5Step 5
Serve warm in deep bowls.
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A few things worth knowing
- Break the turkey into small, even crumbles while browning to ensure an even distribution throughout the chili.
- Cut sweet potato cubes to roughly 3/4-inch to ensure they become tender within the designated cooking window.
- Stir the mixture well before putting the lid on so the cranberry sauce and orange juice coat all ingredients uniformly.
- Check doneness by piercing a sweet potato cube with a fork; it should slide in effortlessly without meeting resistance.
Ways to make it your own
- Garnish with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro leaves right before ladling into bowls.
- Top each serving with a light sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Serving suggestions
Serve this warm chili ladled into deep bowls alongside a slice of skillet cornbread, warm crusty dinner rolls, or a crisp green garden salad. For contrasting creaminess, offer dollops of sour cream or diced ripe avocado at the table.
Storage & reheating
Allow leftover chili to cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers. Keep refrigerated or freeze for longer keeping. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the sweet potatoes have thickened the broth.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Can I cook this on high if I am short on time?+
Yes, setting the slow cooker to high for 3 hours will cook the sweet potatoes until tender, just as the 6-hour low setting does.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?+
Test the largest sweet potato chunk with the tip of a knife or a fork. It should be tender all the way to the center.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?+
Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce blend smoothly into the slow cooker liquid as it heats and simmers.
Ladle this warm, citrus-infused turkey and sweet potato chili into deep bowls for an easy, comforting meal that comes together with minimal stovetop effort.
Cranberry Orange Turkey Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Bean Chili
Slow-cooked ground turkey chili simmered with tender sweet potatoes, black beans, citrusy orange juice, cranberry sauce, and chili powder for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 cups (300g) cubed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup (180g) black beans
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
- 1 tbsp (15g) chili powder
- 2 cups (300g) potatoes, cubed
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, cranberry sauce, orange juice, and chili powder to the slow cooker.
- Stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve warm in deep bowls.
Nutrition
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