The Hearty Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a hearty sweet potato black bean chili brings comfort to chilly evenings and warmth to your kitchen.

Robust flavors mingle together, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Nutritious ingredients dance in this one-pot wonder, promising both health and happiness.

Earthy black beans provide protein, while sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that balances the spicy undertones.

Colorful vegetables contribute depth and nutrition to every delightful spoonful.

Each bite tells a story of wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

You’ll find this recipe so delicious that seconds become inevitable.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Use vegetable broth or water interchangeably depending on sodium preferences and dietary needs.
• Mash some sweet potatoes halfway through cooking to create a thicker, creamier chili consistency.
• Add quinoa or diced tofu for extra protein and nutritional value without changing the core flavor profile.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies to create mild, medium, or hot versions based on personal heat tolerance.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and integrate while stored in the refrigerator.

Variations to Try with Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Protein Powerhouse Variation: Replace black beans with lean ground turkey or chicken for a meat-based protein boost.
• Quinoa Crunch Variation: Add cooked quinoa to increase protein content and provide a nutty texture to the chili.
• Vegan Friendly Variation: Use vegetable broth instead of water and add extra diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for those who love intense flavors.

Serving Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili in Style

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your soul.
• Veggie Fiesta Topping: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the chili's rich flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with crumbled plant-based queso, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of vegan sour cream for extra nutrition and texture.
• Grain Companion Serve: Pair with fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or warm cornbread to create a complete and filling plant-based dinner.

How to Store Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain the original texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili powder and green chilies you use. For mild chili, choose a less spicy chili powder or reduce the amount. For more heat, add extra green chilies or use a hot chili powder.

• Can I make this chili gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and canned ingredients are certified gluten-free, as some brands might have cross-contamination.

• Is this chili protein-rich?

Absolutely! Black beans provide a significant protein boost, offering about 15 grams of protein per cup. Combined with sweet potatoes, this chili is a nutritious, plant-based protein meal.

Why Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Wins Hearts

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This chili delivers a hearty, warming meal packed with nutritious ingredients that everyone from kids to adults will love.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this one-pot wonder with simple ingredients and minimal chopping, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with protein-rich black beans and vitamin-packed sweet potatoes, this recipe offers a balanced, wholesome meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your chili with various toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or dairy-free sour cream to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Sweet Potato: A hearty and nutritious vegetable that adds texture and natural sweetness to the chili.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich legume that provides a creamy and satisfying element to the dish.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Smoky and flavorful tomatoes that enhance the depth of the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds a robust foundation for the chili.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spices that create a complex and warming flavor profile.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and thickens the chili with a rich tomato flavor.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild, tangy heat to the dish.
• Water or Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for cooking and creates the chili's consistency.
• Olive Oil or Water: Used for initial sautéing of aromatics.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the chili.

How to Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Select a large pot and add olive oil or water, heating it over medium warmth.

The pot should be spacious enough to accommodate all your delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Transform Onions into Translucent Gems

Toss in diced onions and gently cook them until they become soft and see-through, which typically takes around 5 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatic Spices

• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Optional garlic powder
• Optional onion powder

Sauté the spices for 1-2 minutes until their incredible fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Build Your Chili Foundation

• Diced sweet potato
• Black beans
• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Diced green chilies
• Water or vegetable broth

Stir everything together to create a beautiful, colorful mixture.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, allowing sweet potatoes to become perfectly tender.

Step 6: Final Flavor Touches

Taste and sprinkle salt as needed.

Serve with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sweet potato black bean chili blends robust southwestern flavors with comforting warmth. Packed with protein and spices, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that connects bold ingredients into a culinary celebration you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound), diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/4 cup water (for water saute)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon pink salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Cilantro
• Tortilla strips
• Diced onion
• Diced jalapeno
• Vegan sour cream

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a foundation for the chili’s aromatic base.
2. Introduce diced onions and transform them to a translucent state, developing a sweet and soft texture within approximately 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and a medley of spices – chili powder, cumin, oregano, and optional garlic and onion powder – allowing the fragrant blend to bloom and intensify for 1-2 minutes.
4. Combine diced sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, zesty green chilies, and liquid (water or broth) into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
5. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently reduce the heat, allowing the chili to simmer and meld flavors for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency.
6. Fine-tune the seasoning with salt, calibrating the flavor profile to personal preference.
7. Ladle the robust chili into serving bowls and embellish with selected complementary toppings for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap olive oil with coconut or avocado oil for different flavor profiles and healthier cooking options.
• Roast sweet potatoes beforehand to intensify their natural sweetness and add deeper caramelized notes to the chili.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content and create a lighter, more balanced dish for those watching sodium intake.
• Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or additional beans like kidney or pinto for more nutritional variety and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg