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Cozy Crockpot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

cozy crockpot sweet potato black bean chili - featured image

A hearty, comforting chili made with sweet potatoes and black beans, simmered in a crockpot for a rich, smoky flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 cups diced), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
  • 23 lime wedges (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
  • Tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep your vegetables: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ½-inch cubes. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and seed and mince the jalapeño if using.
  2. Combine the spices: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
  3. Layer ingredients in the crockpot: Start with the diced onions and garlic at the bottom. Add the sweet potato cubes on top. Pour in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over everything. Finally, pour the vegetable broth around the edges—do not stir.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Stir and adjust: Once cooked, stir the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or a squeeze of lime juice if needed. If too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Serve with garnishes: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. Crush tortilla chips on top for crunch.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash some sweet potatoes against the side of the crockpot. Toasting the spices in a dry skillet before adding enhances flavor. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, sweet potato chili, black bean chili, vegan chili, gluten-free chili, easy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker recipe