The Best Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chili lovers will adore this sweet potato black bean chili that blends hearty southwestern flavors with unexpected comfort.

Robust ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for cool evenings.

Spices dance through each bite, warming you from the inside out.

Nutrient-packed ingredients make this dish both delicious and nourishing.

Complex layers of flavor emerge from simple components carefully combined.

Smoky undertones complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this soul-warming recipe that brings excitement to your dinner table.

FAQs

• Is this chili vegetarian?

Yes, this sweet potato black bean chili is completely vegetarian and packed with protein from black beans and nutrients from sweet potatoes.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

You can easily increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or using a hotter chili powder blend to customize the spice level.

• How nutritious is this chili?

This chili is extremely nutritious, offering high fiber from black beans and sweet potatoes, rich in vitamins A and C, and provides a balanced plant-based meal with complex carbohydrates and protein.

• What kitchen tools do I need to prepare this recipe?

You’ll need a large pot, cutting board, knife, measuring spoons, and basic cooking utensils like a wooden spoon for stirring and preparing this simple one-pot chili.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Full of Flavor

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with fiber-rich sweet potatoes and protein-packed black beans, this chili delivers a seriously healthy meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Easy one-pot preparation means minimal cleanup and quick cooking steps that even beginner home cooks can master without stress.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Warm, hearty chili that appeals to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals with bold, satisfying flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese, letting everyone personalize their bowl and enjoy a unique dining experience.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Sweet Potatoes: A hearty and nutritious vegetable that adds a delightful sweetness and creamy texture to the chili.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that provide a rich, earthy flavor and substantial body to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste and helps cook the vegetables.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Foundational vegetables that create a deep, savory flavor profile for the chili.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: A blend of warm spices that give the chili its signature robust and slightly spicy taste.

• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Tangy ingredients that provide acidity and richness to the chili's sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and a zesty finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame, creating a perfect sizzling surface for your ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Add onion and bell peppers, gently cooking and stirring until they become soft and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Unleash Aromatic Spices

• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their incredible fragrance and develop deep flavors.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Sweet potatoes
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a rich and hearty foundation for your chili.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes.

The sweet potatoes will become tender and absorb all the delicious spices.

Step 6: Add Protein and Final Touches

Stir in black beans and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with fresh cilantro and zesty lime wedges for a burst of brightness.

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Spicy Notes

• Toast spices in oil before adding other ingredients to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and maintain a perfect tender-yet-firm consistency.
• Add quinoa or additional beans for extra protein, making the chili more nutritionally balanced and satisfying.
• Make a large batch and freeze in portions for quick, healthy meals during busy weekdays, preserving the chili's robust flavors.
• Control heat by reducing or increasing chili powder, or add fresh jalapeños for a personalized spice experience.

Variations to Elevate Your Sweet Potato Chili

• Protein Powerhouse Variation: Replace black beans with ground turkey or lean chicken for a meat-based protein boost.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra kick of heat and smoky flavor.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute black beans with quinoa or lentils to maintain protein content while keeping the dish plant-based.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the chili's hearty texture.

Serving Recommendations for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty chili during board game marathons for a comforting and satisfying meal that keeps everyone warm and energized.
• Fresh Taco Bar Twist: Set up a DIY toppings station with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and crispy tortilla chips for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Wholesome Meal Prep Champion: Package individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, maintaining maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Campfire Comfort Classic: Enjoy this chili during outdoor adventures, transferring it to a thermal container for a delicious and warming meal around the campfire or during hiking breaks.

How to Store Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chili fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired sweet potato black bean chili delivers robust flavors for hearty winter meals. Warm spices and nutritious ingredients combine to create a comforting bowl that satisfies hunger and delights palates.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, gently sautéing chopped onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
2. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release their intense fragrance throughout the pot.
3. Incorporate diced sweet potatoes, rich tomato paste, chunky diced tomatoes, and robust vegetable broth, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous rolling boil.
4. Lower the flame to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the ingredients meld together for approximately 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes transform into tender, easily pierced chunks.
5. Fold in hearty black beans, continuing to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure complete heat penetration and flavor integration, then calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Transfer the steaming chili into serving bowls, adorning each portion with fresh cilantro sprigs and zesty lime wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Swap protein sources easily by replacing black beans with quinoa or lentils for varied nutrition and texture.
• Boost heat levels by adding diced jalapeños or increasing chili powder for spice enthusiasts who love bold flavors.
• Meal prep friendly: chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and intensify during refrigeration.
• Make it creamy by stirring in a dollop of Greek yogurt or vegan cashew cream before serving for extra richness and smoothness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg