The Heartiest Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe Ever

Crafting a hearty black bean chili with sweet potatoes can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor adventure.

Earthy root vegetables blend seamlessly with protein-packed legumes for a nutritious meal.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a warmth that hugs you from the inside.

Comfort meets nutrition in this one-pot wonder that satisfies without weighing you down.

Complex layers of flavor develop as ingredients meld together during slow cooking.

Southwest-inspired ingredients promise a bowl brimming with robust and balanced tastes.

Each spoonful tells a story of culinary creativity that will make you want to pull up a chair and savor every moment.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili With Sweet, Smoky Warmth

• Quickly Customize Your Comfort: Swap spices or add toppings to make this chili uniquely yours.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved recipe packed with nutritious ingredients that everyone will enjoy eating together.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Combines protein-rich black beans with vitamin-packed sweet potatoes for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili Contents

• Olive Oil, Water: Essential for sauteing vegetables and creating a non-stick cooking surface.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base for the chili.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor that enhances overall taste.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Dried Oregano: Classic chili spice blend that creates warm, earthy flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Optional ingredients for extra flavor intensity.
• Pink Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning, adjust to personal preference.

• Black Beans, Sweet Potato: Core nutrition-packed ingredients providing protein, fiber, and hearty texture.
• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds smoky flavor and moisture to the chili.
• Tomato Paste: Helps thicken the chili and intensify tomato flavor.
• Diced Green Chilies: Introduces mild heat and additional complexity.
• Water, Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that helps create desired chili consistency.

Sweet Potato Chili With Black Beans Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Choose a large pot and add a splash of olive oil or water.

Set the burner to medium heat, allowing the cooking surface to become evenly warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Toss in diced onions and gently cook them until they transform into a soft, translucent state, releasing their sweet aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Blend Aromatic Spices

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

Stir these ingredients together, creating a fragrant base for the chili.

Step 4: Combine Hearty Ingredients

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

Gently mix all components together.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Allow the chili to simmer peacefully for 20-30 minutes until sweet potatoes become tender and flavors meld.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle pink salt to enhance the flavors.

Ladle the warm, comforting chili into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Sweet Potato Chili Cooking Tips

• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the chili.
• Add extra black beans or include quinoa for increased plant-based protein, making the dish more nutritionally balanced.
• Roast sweet potatoes briefly before adding them to the chili to develop a richer, caramelized taste that intensifies the overall dish.
• This chili freezes excellently for up to three months, making it perfect for batch cooking and convenient future meals.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Stores Easily For Meals

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

Top Picks with Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

• Boost Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Flavor Pairings
• Crisp Wine Match: Select a zesty Pinot Noir with bright acidity that complements the chili's earthy sweet potato and spicy undertones.
• Fresh Herbal Topping: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions to add vibrant, crisp brightness and elevate the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Creamy Cooling Contrast: Top with dollops of tangy Greek yogurt or vegan cashew cream to balance the chili's warmth and provide smooth, cooling texture.
• Crunchy Sidekick: Serve alongside crispy corn tortilla chips or rustic cornbread to introduce a delightful textural contrast and enhance the dish's southwestern essence.

Vegan Chili Options

• Protein Powerhouse Variation: Replace black beans with cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein and different texture.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for extra heat and smoky flavor.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Incorporate tempeh or tofu cubes instead of beans for plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with gluten-free cornbread or rice for celiac-friendly meal.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili less spicy?

Reduce or omit the chili powder and green chilies. Use mild spices like smoked paprika or add a small amount of chili powder to control heat level.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth and spices are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.

• Can I use different beans instead of black beans?

Absolutely! Kidney beans, pinto beans, or a mixed bean combination work great in this chili recipe. Choose beans with similar texture and cooking time.

• How can I add more protein to this vegetarian chili?

Add quinoa, textured vegetable protein, or additional beans during cooking. You can also top with plant-based protein like tofu crumbles or tempeh for extra protein boost.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty sweet potato black bean chili delivers comforting southwestern flavors in one satisfying bowl. Packed with protein, warming spices, and nutritious vegetables, this one-pot meal invites you to savor a delicious culinary journey.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams each) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large Sweet Potato, diced (approximately 1 pound/454 grams)
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes, with juices (or 1 1/2 cups fresh)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 2–3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small can (4 ounces/113 grams) Diced Green Chilies

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons Chili Powder
• 1 tablespoon Cumin
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or 1/4 cup Water (for sauteing)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Pink Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (6 ounces/170 grams) Tomato Paste
• 2 cups Water or Vegetable Broth

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, coating the bottom with a light layer of olive oil or water.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions to the pan, gently transforming them until they become translucent and delicately softened.
3. Infuse the aromatic base with minced garlic and a harmonious blend of spices, including robust chili powder, earthy cumin, fragrant oregano, and optional garlic and onion powders, stirring to release their vibrant essences.
4. Cascade diced sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, zesty green chilies, and a liquid base of water or vegetable broth into the pot.
5. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce the thermal intensity, allowing the chili to gently simmer and meld flavors.
6. Monitor the sweet potatoes, ensuring they transform into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, typically requiring 20-30 minutes of patient simmering.
7. Refine the dish’s flavor profile by cautiously adjusting seasoning with pink salt, tasting and tweaking until the balance feels perfect.
8. Ladle the steaming, richly textured chili into serving vessels, presenting a warm, comforting meal ready to be savored.

Notes

• Swap water for vegetable broth to enhance the depth of flavor and add more nutritional complexity to the chili.
• Include extra spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky, robust taste profile that elevates the overall dish.
• Customize toppings with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or dairy-free sour cream to create personalized serving options for different dietary preferences.
• Prepare a larger batch and freeze portions for quick, convenient meals during busy weekdays, ensuring a protein-packed and nutritious dinner is always ready.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg