Sweet Potato Chili

Hearty and filling sweet potato chili is a delicious take on a classic chili recipe, especially if you’re a fan of sweet potatoes!

Chili is a go to fall fav, whether it’s filled with spaghetti or has a Mexican twist. Sweet potato chili is full of yummy black beans, ground beef and flavor, another fall must-make!!

Sweet Potato Chili served up in a white bowl

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Have you ever had sweet potato chili? I love this recipe variation. There are so many ways to make a good chili but the chunks of sweet potato take this chili to an all new delicious level! The sweet potatoes go perfectly with all of the spices, tomatoes, beans, corn, and ground beef. It’s one big bowl of YUM. You’re going to want to try this recipe when it’s a little bit crisp outside and you or your family want something comforting and warm.

Another idea is to make this chili totally vegetarian by taking out the ground beef. It would still taste incredible because of the chunks of sweet potato. Perfect for a “meatless Monday” dinner idea.

The sweet potatoes in this black bean chili recipe add a lot of nutrition to the meal. Everyone could always use a little more nutrition in their life right? I love that this chili is super tasty and also super healthy. Tons of protein and veggies add to all of that good flavor. The sweet potatoes add just a little sweetness and I love the combination of the sweet, salty, and spicy in this dish.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili in a crock pot

How to Make Sweet Potato Chili

Be prepared to LOVE how easy this sweet potato chili is to make.

POTATOES. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Place in a microwaveable bowl with ½ cup water and cook for 4 minutes, until soft. Place sweet potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and all seasonings in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

BEEF. Brown beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain and discard any excess grease.

COOK. Add cooked ground beef, black beans, and corn to the slow cooker (use a liner for easy clean up!). Cook an additional 1-2 hours (stir occasionally), until flavors have blended together.

SERVE. Enjoy warm with all your favorite toppings. Some of our favorites include: sour cream, chives and green onions!

Tips, Variations + SToring Info

Add a dash of cinnamon to compliment the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. It isn’t meant to be a flavor that you can specifically taste in the chili, but rather a source of emphasis.

Toppings: This soup is delicious on it own, but you can definitely jazz it up with some toppings. Some favorites include:

  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Green onions
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Lime wedge

Stove Top: I love filling my house with the aroma of cooking soup in a crock pot on a chilly day, but sometimes I need to be able to whip up a quick dinner. Prepare the recipe as directed except put the ingredients in a large cooking pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. 

Variations: 

  • If you don’t love black beans you can use kidney beans or pinto beans. 
  • Add in more veggies like bell peppers, or onions. 
  • Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey or even sausage. You can also forgo the meat altogether. 

STORE leftovers divided into individual serving sizes, or altogether. Keep in an airtight container(s) in the fridge for 4-5 days.

FREEZE: Baked sweet potatoes can be frozen, but not raw sweet potatoes. My advice is to fully make the chili before freezing it and just thaw and reheat it when you want to enjoy it. . Make sure that the chili is cooled down completely before pouring it into a freezer safe container. This chili can last from 6-12 months, if frozen correctly.

Sweet Potato Chili served in a white bowl and topped with chives

You’re going to make this sweet potato chili right? I’ve totally convinced you, I’m sure! 😉 I really hope you love it!

And for more chili recipes, check out:

Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

5 from 17 votes
Hearty and filling sweet potato chili is a delicious take on a classic chili recipe, especially if you're a fan of sweet potatoes!
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 298 kcal
Author Lil' Luna

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced stewed tomatoes with chili seasonings
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 1 pinch garlic powder
  • 1 pinch onion powder
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (12oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn drained

Instructions
 

  • Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Place in a microwaveable bowl with ½ cup water and cook for 4 minutes.
  • Place sweet potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and all seasonings in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Brown beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain and discard any excess grease.
  • Add cooked ground beef, black beans, and corn to the slow cooker. Cook an additional 1-2 hours, until flavors have blended together. Serve warm. 

Notes

TRIED & TRUE FINDINGS:
  • DIFFICULTY: easy
  • HOW MANY DOES IT FEED: 8
  • ANY CHANGES MADE:  no onion, celery, cayenne pepper, or turkey, used less chili powder and cinnamon. Added corn and more ground beef.
  • ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT TIME: none

Adapted from AllRecipes.com

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    Sweet Potato is one of my favorite Sweet Dish. But after reading your potato sweet dish, its something different, want to try this at home.

  2. why didn’t I think of this? Love traditional chili, love sweet potatoes, so…this! thank you for such a great recipe idea!

  3. Excellent recipe – super easy. Can use ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken or omit meat totally. Leave the skins on sweet potatoes for more nutrients. Could even use Trader Joes pre-diced fresh sweet potatoes to make it quicker. Also, crushed tomatoes work well if you don’t have chili seasoned tomatoes – just increase the spices to your taste preference. Add more cinnamon than a dash – gives it a great flavor.

    1. I’m so glad you liked this recipe! Thanks so much for all of your tips and suggestions. They sound heavenly! 🙂

  4. 5 stars
    I have made a recipe for sweet potato and black bean chili for years but was looking for something a bit heartier. Your recipe included meat and it was just what my family craved. Delicious.

  5. 5 stars
    I have never added sweet potato to chili and was so surprised I loved this!! It was so hearty and delicious, perfect for fall!

  6. 5 stars
    I’m not typically a sweet potato fan, but had this recipe at my in laws and loved it. I had to come get it to make myself.