The Coziest Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe for Fall Days

Hearty and packed with robust flavors, this sweet potato black bean chili recipe delivers a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

Vibrant vegetables and protein-rich beans create a delicious symphony of taste and nutrition.

Spices dance through each spoonful, offering a perfect balance of heat and depth.

The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy black beans.

Colorful and nourishing, this chili turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience.

Wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly to create a soul-satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a bowl and savor every delectable bite of this chili that promises to become a new family favorite.

Storing Black Bean Chili for Quick Meals

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and taste even better the next day.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Divide chili into individual servings before storing to make reheating convenient and prevent repeated thawing and freezing.

FAQs

• Is this chili vegetarian?

Yes, the sweet potato and black bean chili is completely vegetarian, using plant-based ingredients like beans, vegetables, and vegetable broth.

• Can I make this chili spicy?

Absolutely! Add extra cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• How nutritious is this chili?

This chili is packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes provide vitamin A and fiber, black beans offer protein and iron, and bell peppers contribute vitamin C.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

No, this chili is beginner-friendly. It requires basic chopping and sautéing skills, with simple step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili: Flavorful Details

• Nourish with Nutrients: Packed with protein-rich black beans and vitamin-loaded sweet potatoes, this chili delivers a powerful nutritional punch for health-conscious eaters.
• Craft Quick Comfort: Easy one-pot preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals.
• Customize with Creativity: Adaptable recipe allows endless garnish options like avocado, sour cream, or cheese, making it a versatile dish for different taste preferences.
• Celebrate Plant-Based Goodness: Vegetarian-friendly recipe offers hearty, satisfying flavors without meat, appealing to vegetarians and those seeking wholesome plant-based meals.

What Goes Into Sweet Potato Chili

• Sweet Potato: A hearty and nutritious root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and texture to the chili.
• Black Beans: A protein-packed legume that provides a rich, creamy base for the chili.
• Bell Pepper: A colorful vegetable that contributes crunch and mild flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory flavor base for the chili.
• Olive Oil: A healthy cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and develop rich flavors.
• Tomatoes: A classic chili ingredient that adds acidity and moisture to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth: A liquid base that helps create the perfect chili consistency and enhances overall flavor.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, zesty finish to the chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Steps to Make Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

Step 1: Fire Up the Foundation

Heat a large pot and drizzle olive oil, letting it shimmer.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until they turn soft and release their aromatic magic, transforming your kitchen into a flavor haven.

Step 2: Welcome Colorful Companions

Slide chopped sweet potatoes and vibrant bell peppers into the pot.

Let them dance and sizzle, developing a golden exterior and releasing their natural sweetness for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Flavor Harmony

• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the seasonings to mingle and create a robust flavor profile.

Bring the mixture to a robust boil, letting the ingredients communicate their deliciousness.

Step 4: Gentle Transformation

Reduce the heat to a gentle whisper.

Let the chili simmer peacefully, allowing sweet potatoes to become tender and ingredients to merge into a comforting embrace, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Culinary Creation

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top.

Ladle the chili into warm bowls, ready to warm hearts and satisfy hungry souls.

Tips for a Hearty, Spiced Vegetarian Chili

• Toast spices in the pot before adding liquid to enhance their aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the chili.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to stop ingredients from sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutrition and more robust flavor complexity.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance and reheating for deeper, more developed flavors.

Chili Variations to Suit Every Taste

• Protein Power Swap: Replace black beans with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a meaty version that boosts protein content and adds different texture.
• Vegan Veggie Boost: Substitute vegetable broth for better plant-based option, add extra vegetables like corn or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate chopped jalapeños, use chipotle powder instead of regular chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery, bold southwestern style chili.
• Slow Cooker Simple: Transfer all ingredients to slow cooker after sautéing onions and garlic, cook on low for 6-8 hours for hands-off, tender meal preparation.

Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Chili with Flair

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a chili bar with small bowls of toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges for guests to customize their bowls.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious chili sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days, and transform into a filling for stuffed peppers or a topping for nachos for a quick next-day lunch.
• Wellness Bowl Remix: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for added protein and create a nutritious one-bowl meal that keeps you satisfied and energized.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sweet potato black bean chili promises a comforting Mexican-inspired feast packed with robust flavors and nourishing ingredients. Spicy, warming notes dance through each spoonful, inviting you to savor this soul-satisfying meal that delivers both nutrition and pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables & Beans:

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes

Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid & Seasonings:

• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by gently caramelizing diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce cubed sweet potatoes and chopped bell peppers to the pot, allowing them to soften and develop subtle caramelization for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sprinkle cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
4. Elevate heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and allowing the mixture to meld together for 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 2-3 minutes to further intensify flavors.
6. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, offering a vibrant and herbaceous finishing touch to the robust chili.

Notes

• Use firm, uniformly cut sweet potato cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent mushy texture.
• Replace canned beans with freshly cooked black beans for lower sodium and better flavor control.
• Create gluten-free version by verifying broth ingredients and using certified gluten-free seasonings.
• Boost protein content by adding quinoa or diced tofu during simmering stage for vegetarian protein enhancement.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 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