5 Irresistible Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipes

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Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with nutritious ingredients and warming spices. This delicious chili combines tender sweet potatoes, savory black beans, and lean ground beef, simmering into a comforting meal perfect for any season. With rich spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, each bite offers a satisfying depth of flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, let’s dive into this warm and nourishing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is not only delicious but also offers numerous benefits. First, it’s incredibly filling, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans provides a great source of fiber, ensuring you feel satisfied longer. Additionally, it features wholesome ingredients, making it a healthy choice for any meal. With easy variations like Sweet potato black bean tacos and Sweet potato black bean burgers, you can customize your meal to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s gluten-free, fitting into a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan options!

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 pound 90% lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ – 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (roughly 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes)
1-15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1-15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

How to Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Step 2: To the browned beef, add the minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and all the spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, chipotle powder). Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and rinsed black beans. Combine everything thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients and spices.
Step 4: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 5: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite chili toppings such as green onions, sour cream, avocado slices, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeño, or fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Keep these in mind:

This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to containers.
Feel free to add other beans or vegetables for variation, making it a versatile option for any meal.
For added flavor, consider using homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

This chili is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few accompaniments. Serve it with a side of cornbread for a delightful contrast in texture. Consider making Sweet potato black bean casserole by layering the chili with cheese and baking until bubbly. You can also top it with avocado slices or fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

This chili is great for meal prep. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a bowl until heated through. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment, just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili?

The secret lies in the spices! Using a mix of cumin, chili powder, and chipotle powder enhances the flavor profile of your chili. Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference for the best result.

Can I make Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili?

Avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes, as they can become mushy. Also, ensure you stir the chili occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the pot. These tips will help you achieve a perfect texture.

Variations of Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili You Can Try

For those looking to mix things up, consider these variations: create a Sweet potato black bean stew by adding extra broth and vegetables, or transform it into Sweet potato black bean enchiladas by wrapping the chili in tortillas and topping with cheese before baking. You can also make a vegan version by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth.