Hearty Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Hearty Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty and satisfying, this crock pot sweet potato black bean chili delivers a soul-warming meal packed with robust flavors and nutrition.

Vibrant vegetables mingle with tender sweet potatoes creating a delightful twist on classic chili recipes.

The slow cooker works magic, melding spices and ingredients into a comforting one-pot wonder.

Nutrient-dense black beans add protein and depth to every spoonful of this wholesome dish.

Perfectly spiced with a gentle kick, this chili stands out as a weeknight dinner champion that keeps you full and energized.

Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will savor each delicious bite of this colorful, nourishing meal.

Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this easy, satisfying recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Go Into Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

For The Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that adds creamy texture and robust nutrition, choose firm potatoes with smooth skin and vibrant orange color.
  • Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that provides rich earthiness, select beans that are smooth and uniform in size with no visible cracks.
  • Onion: Flavor-building aromatic that creates depth, pick firm onions without soft spots or green sprouts.
  • Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable adding sweet crunch, select peppers with bright, glossy skin and no blemishes.
  • Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that elevates overall taste, choose firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
For Liquid And Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Moisture-giving base that helps blend flavors, opt for low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Acidic component that adds brightness, select canned tomatoes with no added preservatives.
For Spices And Herbs:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Warming spice blend creating complex flavor profile, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant.
  • Oregano: Herbal note that provides Mediterranean touch, choose dried herbs with vibrant color and strong aroma.
  • Salt: Essential flavor enhancer, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.

Tools for Crock Pot Sweet Potato Chili Prep

  • Crock Pot: Large slow cooker essential for simmering this hearty chili.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable dicing.
  • Measuring Spoons: Accurate tool for adding precise spice amounts.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps measure broth and beans correctly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients in the crock pot.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving the chili into individual bowls.

How to Cook Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Slowly

  • Flavor Foundation

Gather all your favorite spicy and hearty ingredients for a warming meal that will comfort your soul. This chili blends robust southwestern flavors with nutritious vegetables and protein-packed beans.

  • Crock Pot Magic

Toss everything into your slow cooker and let the magic happen. The low and slow cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug.

  • Slow Simmering

Allow the chili to bubble gently for several hours, letting each ingredient share its unique flavor. The sweet potatoes will soften and absorb the complex spices, creating a harmonious meal.

  • Personalized Pleasure

When ready, scoop this colorful chili into your favorite bowl. Dress it up with creamy avocado slices, a dollop of tangy sour cream, or sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to make it your own culinary masterpiece.

  • Comfort in a Bowl

Enjoy your creation hot, savoring the blend of southwestern spices, hearty beans, and tender sweet potatoes. This chili is more than a meal – it’s a celebration of simple, delicious ingredients coming together perfectly.

Tips for Flavoring Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

  • Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper. For mild lovers, skip the cayenne completely. Spice enthusiasts can add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños for a serious kick.
  • Enhance protein content by adding ground turkey, shredded chicken, or chorizo during initial cooking. Vegetarian friends can mix in extra beans like kidney or pinto for more substance.
  • This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and divide into single-serving portions for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently.
  • Experiment with different vegetables like diced zucchini, corn kernels, or butternut squash. Each substitute brings unique texture and nutritional benefits while keeping the recipe flexible and exciting.
  • Get creative with garnishes beyond traditional options. Try crumbled queso fresco, pickled red onions, roasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of lime crema to elevate your chili's flavor profile.

Best Times to Serve This Chili

  • Garnish with Zest: Top the chili with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or crumbled queso fresco for a burst of color and added freshness.
  • Pair with Comfort Carbs: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious chili sauce and add extra texture.
  • Create a Protein Boost: Sprinkle shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled ground turkey, or vegetarian protein crumbles on top to make the meal more substantial and filling.
  • Customize with Cool Toppings: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt, diced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to personalize each bowl and enhance the flavor profile.

Keeping Crock Pot Sweet Potato Chili for Later

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chili in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring it stays delicious for 3-4 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Reheat Perfectly: Warm refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain its rich, hearty consistency.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and measure spices the night before to streamline morning cooking, making this recipe a convenient and time-saving meal option.
Print
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Hearty Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Hearty Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty sweet potato black bean chili combines robust Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting slow-cooker convenience. Warm spices and creamy beans blend perfectly, offering rich nutritional depth that satisfies hungry diners with minimal preparation effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sweet potatoes (medium, peeled and diced)
  • 2 cans black beans (15 oz / 425 g each, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz / 425 g)
  • 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • ½ onion (diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tsps minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine onions, bell peppers, garlic, black beans, and diced tomatoes in the crock pot, creating a vibrant flavor foundation.
  2. Seasoning Blend: Integrate chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of spices throughout the mixture.
  3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients and gently incorporate cubed sweet potatoes, mixing thoroughly to guarantee uniform flavor development.
  4. Slow Cooking: Cover and set the crock pot to low temperature, allowing the chili to simmer and develop rich, complex flavors for 4-5 hours until sweet potatoes become fork-tender.
  5. Serving Presentation: Transfer the chili to serving bowls and enhance with a graceful garnish of sour cream, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro, adding layers of texture and visual appeal to the final dish.

Notes

  • Potato Prep Tip: Cube sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chili.
  • Spice Balance Alert: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance; start with less and add incrementally for controlled spiciness.
  • Liquid Management: Check chili’s moisture midway through cooking; add extra chicken broth if mixture appears too dry to prevent sticking and maintain desired consistency.
  • Flavor Enhancement Hack: Consider toasting spices briefly in a dry skillet before adding to slow cooker to amplify their depth and aromatic qualities.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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