For a cozy, satisfying meal with a touch of sweetness, try this Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili.
Made in a crockpot, this chili is as easy as it is delicious — just toss everything in and let it simmer to perfection!
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a flavorful Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili in the slow cooker and offer serving suggestions, as well as tips for customizing the recipe to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these wholesome ingredients to get started:
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium-sized, peeled and diced
- Black Beans: 2 cans, drained and rinsed
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (use fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Spices:
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adds a warm twist)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 to 1 cup vegetable broth, if you prefer a thinner consistency
Toppings and Garnishes
Enhance your chili with these delicious garnishes:
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy touch
- Green Onions: Sliced, for a pop of fresh flavor
- Chopped Cilantro: For a fragrant and vibrant garnish
- Sliced Jalapeños: For a bit of extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Using a crockpot makes this recipe incredibly convenient. Follow these steps to create a chili that’s full of bold flavors:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, chopping the onion and bell peppers, and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans. Prepping everything ahead ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Optional Sauté for Extra Flavor
If you want to add a deeper flavor to your chili, briefly sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. In a small skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent, then add the garlic and bell peppers. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Finally, stir in the chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, letting the spices toast for a minute. This step enhances the flavors but is optional if you’re in a rush.
3. Combine All Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables (if you sautéed them) into the crockpot. Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, and any remaining spices.
For a thicker chili, use the canned tomato liquid, but if you prefer a more stew-like consistency, add vegetable broth or water.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and set your crockpot to Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The longer, slower cook time helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, savory chili. Stir the chili halfway through if possible to ensure even cooking.
5. Adjust Seasonings
Once the cooking time is up, give the chili a taste and adjust the seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or a bit more cinnamon for a hint of warmth. For a spicier kick, consider stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving and Garnishing Suggestions
This Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili is ready to be ladled into bowls and garnished with your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your bowl:
- Classic Toppings: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a cool contrast to the warm spices, while chopped cilantro brings freshness.
- Go Green: Add sliced green onions for crunch and a pop of color.
- Make It Spicy: If you love heat, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce works beautifully.
- Serve with Sides: Cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a simple side salad pair well with this chili and make for a complete meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave individual servings.
If you’d like to freeze this chili, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as usual.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to personalize it based on your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Make It Vegan: This recipe is vegetarian, and easily adaptable to vegan. Simply use dairy-free yogurt or skip the garnish altogether. For more vegan chili ideas, check out our Vegan Chili Recipe.
- Add Mushrooms: For an umami boost, add chopped mushrooms along with the other vegetables. Mushrooms bring a meaty texture that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. You might also enjoy our Vegetarian Mushroom Chili Recipe.
- Swap the Beans: If you prefer variety, substitute one of the black bean cans with pinto beans or chickpeas for a unique texture.
- Add a Smoky Twist: A chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce brings a smoky, spicy dimension to the chili. Alternatively, you could add a dash of smoked paprika along with the other spices.
