Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili: 5 Reasons to Try This Comfort Dish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sweet Potato Black Bean chili is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with nutritious ingredients and warming spices. This comforting one-pot meal simmers perfectly for any season, featuring lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. It’s rich in flavor with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Black Bean

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this black bean sweet potato recipe. First, it’s incredibly nutritious, combining the health benefits of sweet potatoes and black beans. Second, it’s a healthy sweet potato black bean meal that keeps you full without feeling heavy. Third, it’s versatile; you can enjoy it as a chili, or even transform it into sweet potato black bean tacos or sweet potato black bean enchiladas. Additionally, this dish is gluten-free and can be made vegan by substituting the beef with plant-based protein. With a preparation time of only 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, it’s also an easy sweet potato black bean recipe that fits into any busy schedule.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean

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 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.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and all the spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, chipotle powder). Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and rinsed black beans. Combine thoroughly.
Step 4: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili: 5 Reasons to Try This Comfort Dish - Sweet Potato Black Bean - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Black Bean

Keep these in mind:

This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
For a vegan sweet potato black bean dish, substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Black Bean

This dish can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a hearty sweet potato black bean casserole topped with cheese, or enjoy it as a sweet potatoes and black beans salad by adding fresh greens. You could also use it as a filling for sweet potato black bean burgers or as a topping for nachos!

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Black Bean

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it back on the stove over low heat or microwave until warmed through. This makes for a great meal prep option for busy days!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Black Bean

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

The secret lies in the spices used. Make sure to use fresh spices and adjust them according to your taste preferences while cooking.

Can I make Sweet Potato Black Bean ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep!

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

Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut evenly for uniform cooking, and adjust the cooking time based on their size to avoid undercooking.

Variations of Sweet Potato Black Bean You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with variations such as adding corn for a touch of sweetness, or using different beans like kidney beans. You can also transform it into a spicy sweet potato black bean stew by adding more broth and extra spices. For a healthy twist, try a vegan sweet potato black bean dish by omitting meat altogether.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili: 5 Reasons to Try This Comfort Dish - Sweet Potato Black Bean - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out this Tuscan white bean recipe or this savory black bean sweet potato taco skillet. If you’re looking for a healthy dessert, try these healthy oat cookies!

For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, visit Healthline.