Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe That Warms The Soul

Weeknight dinners demand hearty, satisfying chili with sweet potato black bean chili recipe that packs a serious flavor punch.

Comfort meets nutrition in this one-pot wonder bursting with protein and warmth.

Bold spices dance through tender sweet potatoes and creamy black beans, creating a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

The combination delivers a robust southwestern-inspired experience that fills bellies and warms souls.

Packed with plant-based goodness, this chili transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each spoonful promises rich, complex flavors that make healthy eating deliciously irresistible.

Sweet Potatoes Meet Black Beans in Chili

• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with protein-rich black beans and vitamin-loaded sweet potatoes, this chili delivers a healthy punch that satisfies and nourishes your body.
• Whip Up with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows endless topping variations like creamy avocado, zesty cilantro, or tangy lime, letting everyone personalize their bowl.
• Perfect Weeknight Warrior: One-pot meal that comes together quickly, minimizing kitchen cleanup and providing a warm, hearty dinner solution for busy families.

What You Need for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Sweet Potatoes: A hearty and nutritious base that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture to the chili.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic ingredients that build a deep flavor foundation for the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide acidity and create a rich, tangy sauce base for the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Warm spices that deliver complex, smoky, and traditional chili flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Black Beans: A protein-packed ingredient that adds texture and earthy flavor to the chili.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base and helps blend all the ingredients together.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the dish.

• Avocado, Cilantro, Lime: Fresh garnishes that brighten and add extra layers of flavor to the finished chili.

Stepwise Guide for Black Bean Chili Bowls

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onion and garlic, then sauté until they become soft and see-through, releasing their mouth-watering aroma.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika

Stir everything together and let the ingredients dance for about 5 minutes, allowing the spices to wake up and mingle.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Vegetable broth

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a rich and hearty base.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the temperature and let the chili gently bubble away for 20-25 minutes.

Watch as the sweet potatoes become tender and the flavors merge into a delicious harmony.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh extras like creamy avocado, bright cilantro, and a zesty lime squeeze.

Enjoy your comfort in a bowl!

Tips for Making Hearty Sweet Potato Chili

• Toast spices in dry pan before adding to chili to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify overall taste profile.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the dish.
• Replace vegetable broth with low-sodium version to control salt intake while maintaining rich, complex flavor.
• Swap vegetable broth with water for gluten-free option or add quinoa for extra protein and hearty texture.
• Chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in larger batches and store in refrigerator for convenient, quick meals.

Fun Mix-Ins for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Protein Power Swap: Replace black beans with ground turkey or lean chicken for a meaty protein boost, keeping the sweet potato base intact.
• Vegan Protein Punch: Substitute black beans with quinoa or lentils to increase protein content while maintaining a plant-based profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chilies, and a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat and regional flavor.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off, tender chili preparation.

Best Ways to Serve Black Bean Chili Dishes

• Flavor Fusion Companions: Pair this hearty chili with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for added texture and delicious crunch.
• Topping Adventure Station: Create a vibrant toppings bar with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, and fresh lime wedges to let everyone customize their bowl.
• Nutritious Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the chili's rich and warming flavors, adding a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish with a small scoop of quinoa or brown rice to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.

Storing Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Properly

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays good for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
• Transfer chili to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why use sweet potatoes in chili?

Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, creamy texture, and extra nutrients like vitamin A and fiber to the chili, making it more nutritious and delicious.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this chili vegetarian and vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe uses plant-based ingredients like black beans, sweet potatoes, and vegetable broth, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

• How can I boost protein in this chili?

Add quinoa, lentils, or plant-based protein crumbles to increase the protein content while maintaining the recipe’s vegetarian profile.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty sweet potato black bean chili delivers rich southwestern comfort in one satisfying bowl. Packed with protein and warming spices, this plant-based marvel offers delicious nutrition that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 bell pepper

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

Garnishes and Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream
• Vegan sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Vegan cheese
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, gently caramelizing onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
2. Introduce diced sweet potatoes along with robust spices including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, allowing the vegetables to absorb the complex flavor profile for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth, elevating the temperature until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
4. Reduce flame to low, allowing the chili to gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, ensuring sweet potatoes transform into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
5. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, tailoring the taste to your preference. Ladle the hearty chili into serving bowls and embellish with optional garnishes such as creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro leaves, and a zesty lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding quinoa or brown rice directly into the chili for a more filling meal.
• Transform this recipe into a meal prep champion by storing in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños for spice lovers or keeping it mild for sensitive palates.
• Make it vegan-friendly by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based and skipping any dairy-based toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg