Harvest Sweet Potato Chili

Sweet Potato Chili is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender sweet potatoes with hearty black beans and vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes. This satisfying, meatless chili is packed with robust flavors and finished perfectly with your favorite toppings!

The Ultimate Sweet Potato Chili Experience

As the crisp autumn air turns into winter’s chill, there’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of chili. Over the years, I’ve perfected numerous chili recipes, each with its own unique charm. While classics like our beloved Crockpot Chili and the creamy White Chicken Chili hold a special place in many hearts, my personal culinary journey always leads me back to the irresistible allure of sweet potatoes.

It’s no secret that I adore sweet potatoes, and this Sweet Potato Chili truly sits at the pinnacle of my favorites. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional chili, focusing on wholesome, plant-based ingredients without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or heartiness. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that feels both familiar and excitingly new. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, coming together in approximately 30 minutes, all within the convenience of a single pot. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal when you crave maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian option, a simple weeknight dinner, or a hearty meal to feed a crowd, this Sweet Potato Chili delivers on all fronts. Its rich flavors deepen with time, making it fantastic for meal prep, and its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to chili recipe!

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Sweet Potato Chili

Crafting this incredible Sweet Potato Chili requires a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Oil: A good quality olive oil forms the foundational layer, allowing the vegetables to sauté beautifully and enriching the chili’s overall flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Finely chopped, yellow onion provides a delicate sweetness and aromatic base, essential for any great chili.
• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Dice your sweet potatoes into small, uniform pieces (about 1/2-inch) to ensure they cook quickly and achieve a tender, slightly caramelized texture. Their natural sweetness perfectly balances the savory and spicy notes of the chili.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that elevates all the other flavors. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative.
• Jalapeño: For a delightful kick of heat, a minced jalapeño is key. If you prefer a milder chili, simply remove the seeds and white membrane before chopping. For extra spice, leave them in!
• Seasonings: This carefully selected blend of spices is what gives the chili its signature warmth, depth, and a hint of smokiness. You’ll need chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These are the heart of the chili’s robust character.
• Chili Beans: Using canned pinto beans in chili sauce (often labeled “chili beans”) adds incredible convenience and a pre-seasoned layer of flavor. Don’t drain the liquid; it contributes to the chili’s rich broth.
• Black Beans: These hearty beans add substance and a delightful texture. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding to remove excess sodium and any starchy liquid.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes are highly recommended for their smoky depth, which adds another layer of complexity. However, regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine for a classic chili flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: This liquid base brings all the ingredients together. For a vegetarian or vegan chili, vegetable broth is essential. If you’re not strictly vegetarian, chicken broth can be used instead.
• Cilantro: Added at the very end, fresh cilantro brightens the chili with its distinctive, fresh, and slightly citrusy notes. Stir it in or use it as a garnish.
• Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is a game-changer. It adds a vibrant tang that cuts through the richness and makes all the flavors pop.

Simple Steps to Craft the Perfect Sweet Potato Chili

Making this hearty Sweet Potato Chili is incredibly straightforward, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting meal to your table:

1. Prepare Your Pot: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. A sturdy pot ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add your finely diced yellow onion to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
3. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes. Continue to cook for 9–10 minutes, stirring periodically. This step allows the sweet potatoes to start tenderizing and develop a slight caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness.
4. Infuse with Flavor: Add the minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), and all the chili seasonings. Stir everything together and cook for just about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Combine Main Ingredients: Pour in the undrained chili beans, the rinsed and drained black beans, and the undrained diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
6. Add Liquid and Simmer: Finally, add the vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 8–15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fully tender and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
7. Adjust and Serve: Remove the chili from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—you might want a pinch more salt, a dash of heat, or an extra sprinkle of cumin. Stir in fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice (start with 1 tablespoon) if using. Ladle the hot chili into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy this incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal!

Elevate Your Bowl: Sweet Potato Chili Topping Ideas

While this Sweet Potato Chili is fantastic on its own, adding a variety of toppings can transform it into an even more extraordinary meal. Toppings provide contrasting textures, enhance flavors, and allow everyone to customize their bowl to perfection. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt adds a cooling, rich element that beautifully mellows any heat and provides a lovely counterpoint to the chili’s robust flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic chili topping! Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey perfection, adding a savory, salty dimension that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes.
• Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Creamy avocado or a spoonful of fresh guacamole offers a cool, buttery texture and a vibrant, fresh taste that balances the warmth of the chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkling of extra chopped cilantro provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color, reinforcing the bright notes added during cooking.
• Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips: For that satisfying crunch! These add a delightful textural contrast and a hint of corn flavor that complements the chili beautifully.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with extra lime wedges for an optional squeeze. A fresh burst of citrus brightens the entire dish, making the flavors sing.
• Sliced Jalapeños: If you’re a heat-seeker, fresh or pickled sliced jalapeños offer an additional fiery kick and a crunchy texture.

Pin
Print

4.91 from 20 votes

Sweet Potato Chili

By
Chelsea Lords

Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty, flavorful veggie dish loaded with tender sweet potatoes, seasoned beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Top it off with cilantro, avocado, and cheese for extra deliciousness!

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Servings:
3 servings

Video

Equipment

• Large pot

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 large yellow onion finely diced, 1 cup
• 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato 1/2-inch pieces, 1 medium potato
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño 1/2 of a full one, optional
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans pinto beans in chili sauce
• 2 (15.5-ounce) cans black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1-1/2 cups vegetable broth or stock; chicken broth works if not vegetarian
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro optional
• 1 lime optional
• Toppings as desired see note 1

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add onion and cook until nearly translucent, about 3 minutes. Add chopped sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 9–10 minutes. Mix in garlic, jalapeño, and all the seasonings; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add undrained chili beans, drained black beans, and undrained tomatoes. Pour in broth.
• Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer 8–15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and a good amount of liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat. Adjust seasonings to personal preference. Add lime juice (I start with 1 tablespoon) and cilantro if using.
• Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Optional toppings include sour cream, cheddar cheese, avocado, tortilla strips/chips, etc. Use whatever you like on your chili! These toppings truly enhance the experience, adding a variety of flavors and textures.

Storage: Allow the chili to reach room temperature before storing. In airtight containers, it will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. For longer preservation, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.6g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 3.8g | Cholesterol: 1.8mg | Sodium: 748.6mg | Fiber: 14.4g | Sugar: 5.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

What To Serve With This Flavorful Sweet Potato Chili

This Sweet Potato Chili is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can truly elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic accompaniments that complement its hearty flavors and textures:

• Warm Cornbread or Cheesy Biscuits: There’s nothing quite like fresh, warm cornbread or fluffy, cheesy biscuits to soak up every last drop of the rich chili. Their tender crumb and savory notes are a perfect match.
• Fluffy Rice or Nutritious Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, serve your chili over a bed of steamed white rice or protein-packed quinoa. This adds a satisfying base and helps extend the meal.
• Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, light garden salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the chili’s richness. It adds a welcome burst of freshness and a healthy balance to your plate.
• Gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food pairing! A warm, cheesy grilled cheese sandwich dipped into a bowl of chili is a classic combination that’s hard to beat.
• Baked Potatoes: Transform your chili into a “loaded” experience by serving it directly over a warm, fluffy baked potato. The soft potato perfectly absorbs the chili’s flavors.

Enjoy creating your perfect Sweet Potato Chili meal! This recipe promises warmth, flavor, and satisfaction with every spoonful, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and sides to make it uniquely yours!

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this chili is guaranteed to be a hit. Its vibrant ingredients and wholesome nature make it a dish you can feel good about serving and eating. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness that awaits!