If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutrition, this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a vibrant twist on classic chili, blending tender sweet potatoes with rich ground beef and hearty black beans, creating a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Loaded with nutrients: Sweet potatoes add a boost of vitamins and fiber, making this chili as good for you as it is delicious.
Perfect balance of flavors: The smoky spices meld beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
Comfort food made easy: This recipe comes together quickly, yet delivers a rich, slow-cooked taste without the wait.
Family-friendly and versatile: It pleases a crowd and can easily be adapted to suit your spice preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients & Substitutions
All the ingredients for this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe are straightforward and accessible, yet each plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures. From the hearty ground beef to the sweet, tender potatoes and the punch of spices, every component works together to create a perfectly balanced chili that’s both filling and vibrant.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and brown the meat, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
- Diced onions, bell pepper, celery, carrots: These aromatics build the foundation, offering sweetness, crunch, and depth.
- Garlic: A classic flavor booster that adds warmth and a touch of pungency.
- Extra-lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein while keeping the chili light and healthy.
- Sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, bringing a natural sweetness and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with spices.
- Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: These give the chili its rich, tangy base and beautiful color.
- Beef broth: Enhances the savory flavor and keeps everything moist and tender.
- Spices (red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, coriander): Deliver layers of smokiness, warmth, and just the right amount of heat.
- Black beans: Add protein, fiber, and a velvety texture that complements the sweet potatoes.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Used as a fresh garnish, it brightens every spoonful with herbal notes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, red bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables for about 3 minutes to soften them and coax out their natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, letting the aroma fill your kitchen—it’s the first step to an unforgettable chili.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the extra-lean ground beef to your sautéed veggies. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat up as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This process usually takes around 5 minutes. By browning the beef well, you deepen the flavor foundation of your chili, making it heartier and more satisfying.
Step 3: Build the Chili Base
Once the beef is cooked through, mix in the sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, along with salt and pepper to your taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all those fantastic flavors before bringing the pot to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let your chili simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. This simmering step lets the spices meld and develop, giving the chili its rich and comforting character.
Step 5: Add the Black Beans
Drain and rinse your black beans well, then stir them into the pot. Allow the chili to heat through for another 5 minutes, so the beans absorb the flavors while adding a creamy texture and a healthy protein boost. Your Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is now ready for the final touches!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Top your chili with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal contrast. Green onions are another fantastic topping option, adding a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to bring luscious creaminess that complements the warm spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Chili Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, rustic sides. Cornbread or warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad brings a refreshing bite alongside the warming chili, or consider serving with steamed rice for a more filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chili in hollowed-out sweet potatoes or over baked potato halves to amp up the presentation and flavor. You can also turn this chili into a cozy dip by ladling it into a bread bowl at your next gathering—everyone will be impressed by how comforting and colorful this dish looks and tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Sweet Potato Chili into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep and quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your chili back to life, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help keep the chili from thickening too much during reheating.
FAQs
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Can I make this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth. You can add extra beans or even some chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. The sweet potatoes and spices ensure the chili remains hearty and flavorful.
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What other beans can I use besides black beans?
Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans work beautifully in this chili. Each provides a slightly different texture and taste, so feel free to experiment depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
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How can I adjust the spice level?
If you want your chili milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add diced jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. This recipe is very flexible to fit your spice tolerance.
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Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes! This chili actually tastes even better the next day once flavors have fully melded. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when you’re ready. It’s a wonderful recipe for meal planning and busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that fills your home with delightful aromas and your belly with comfort and warmth. It’s simple to make yet spectacularly satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a nourishing, tasty meal. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own—it’s truly a dish that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Print
Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Sweet Potato Chili made with extra-lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of spices. This comforting chili is packed with nutritious vegetables and rich spices, perfect for a warm meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups sweet potato, diced
Protein
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 can (19 oz/540 ml) black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 cup (10 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Oils & Spices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, red bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of extra-lean ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink inside, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Liquids: Stir in diced sweet potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add red pepper flakes, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Add Black Beans and Heat Through: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the beans can heat through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish the chili with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions as preferred. Serve hot and enjoy your wholesome Sweet Potato Chili.
Notes
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking; pre-cut sweet potatoes can save time.
- Swap red bell pepper for other colors like yellow or orange for a different flavor profile.
- Black beans can be substituted with kidney beans or pinto beans as desired.
- Add diced jalapeño, extra red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to increase spiciness.
- Use low sodium beef broth to control salt content.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free; top with cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm throughout.
- Freeze chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for longer storage.
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