This hearty sweet potato chili is warm, filling, and packed with flavor! It’s made with tender sweet potatoes, beans, and spices that come together beautifully.
Perfect for a chilly day, this dish also makes great leftovers. I love topping mine with a dollop of sour cream and cornbread on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this chili! They add sweetness and nutrition. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash work well as tasty alternatives.
Black Beans: They bring protein and heartiness. If you prefer, use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Canned beans save time, but cooking dried beans can add depth.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are must-haves! For a twist, try adding smoked chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika. This brings a smoky flavor to your dish. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the chili’s flavor. If you dislike it, parsley or green onions are great substitutes. Add them just before serving for a fresh touch.
How Can I Get My Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Tender?
Cooking sweet potatoes so they’re tender is key for a good chili. Start by cutting them into small, even cubes, about 1/2-inch thick—this helps them cook evenly.
- After sautéing onions and garlic, add the sweet potatoes early on with enough liquid to help them cook through.
- Keep the pot uncovered as this allows the chili to thicken nicely.
- Give them about 25-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to check for doneness.
They should be fork-tender by the time you’re ready to serve!
Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into cubes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 avocado, diced, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet potato chili takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and nourishing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
2. Add the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Follow this with the black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir to make sure it’s well combined.
3. Season and Simmer:
Next, season the mixture with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened to your liking.
4. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once you’re satisfied, ladle the chili into bowls. Top with diced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that burst of color and flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the chili.
Enjoy your delicious, warming Sweet Potato Chili! It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own—either way, it’s a comforting meal!
Can I Use Different Beans in This Chili?
Absolutely! While black beans are delicious in this recipe, you can substitute them with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Just make sure to drain and rinse any canned beans before adding them to the pot!
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper to your taste or add fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For extra smokiness, consider adding some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce as well!
How Can I Store Leftover Chili?
Leftover sweet potato chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces and add them at the same time as the sweet potatoes.
