Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is the perfect cozy meal for chilly days. It's hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to dish for both vegans and meat-lovers alike. Plus, it's a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

The star of the show is the sweet potato, which adds a natural sweetness and heartiness to the chili. Black beans provide protein and a creamy texture, while diced tomatoes bring acidity and depth. A mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika infuse the chili with warmth and a hint of smokiness. Don't forget the fresh lime juice and cilantro at the end to brighten everything up!

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes and beans against the side of the pot as it simmers.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more chili powder for heat or a bit of sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
  • This chili freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze leftovers for busy days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili with a side of warm, crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. It also pairs well with a light salad or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different beans?
Absolutely! Kidney beans or pinto beans work well if you're out of black beans.
Is this recipe spicy?
It's mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, just sauté the onion and garlic using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. You want to sauté these until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it forms the flavorful base of your chili.

Next, add in the diced sweet potatoes and red bell peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until they start to soften. This helps them blend seamlessly into the chili later on.

Now, it's time to add the bulk of your chili: the black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Give it a good stir to combine all those colors and textures.

Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, and you'll see the spices start to meld into a rich, enticing aroma. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Once it's boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Finally, stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro right before serving. These add a fresh, zesty finish to your chili.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — ready in under an hour.
  • Rich in flavor with a smoky and slightly spicy kick.
  • High in fiber and nutrients, thanks to the veggies and beans.
  • Perfect for meal prep — tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in diced sweet potatoes and red bell peppers, cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving.

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