Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe That Wows

Hearty crock pot sweet potato black bean chili revamps ordinary ingredients into a soul-warming meal that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Robust flavors mingle effortlessly in this one-pot wonder, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Nutritious sweet potatoes provide a creamy, velvety foundation, while black beans contribute protein and depth to this inviting dish.

Mexican-inspired spices weave through each spoonful, delivering a subtle heat that builds gradually and keeps you coming back for more.

The slow cooker works its magic, allowing ingredients to merge and develop complex, rich undertones that elevate this chili beyond a simple weeknight meal.

Weekend gatherings or cozy solo dinners will feel instantly special with this crowd-pleasing recipe that nourishes both body and spirit.

Prepare to fall in love with a chili that redefines comfort food and satisfies every craving.

Why Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Is Hearty and Healthy

  • Effortless One-Pot Comfort: This crock pot chili eliminates complex cooking steps, allowing you to dump ingredients and walk away while a delicious meal develops with minimal effort.
  • Nutrition-Packed Flavor Explosion: Combining sweet potatoes and black beans creates a protein-rich, fiber-loaded dish that delivers powerful nutrients and complex taste layers without sacrificing convenience.
  • Customize-and-Go Meal Solution: The recipe welcomes personalization through optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, and cilantro, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs while maintaining a consistent, satisfying base flavor profile.
  • Slow-Cooked Depth and Richness: Cooking on low heat for hours allows spices to meld, vegetables to soften, and ingredients to develop deep, interconnected flavors that taste like they've been simmering all day with minimal active cooking time.

What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Main Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that provides a soft, creamy texture and natural sweetness to the chili.

Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that adds robust flavor and substantial body to the dish.

Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that helps blend all the flavors and creates a smooth, comforting consistency.

Aromatics and Vegetables:

Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide a classic flavor foundation and depth to the chili.

Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste and adds a subtle pungent note.

Spices and Seasonings:

Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Warm spice blend that creates a traditional chili flavor profile with rich, earthy undertones.

Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice that adds a gentle heat kick for those who enjoy a spicier dish.

Oregano: Herbal seasoning that brings a subtle Mediterranean-inspired complexity.

Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and amplifies all other flavors in the chili.

Canned and Additional Ingredients:

Diced Tomatoes: Tangy ingredient that adds moisture and bright acidic notes to the chili.

How to Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili in the Crock Pot

Step 1: Prep the Crock Pot

Grab a large crock pot and get ready to create a hearty meal.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

Toss all ingredients into the crock pot:
  • Add diced onion
  • Sprinkle in bell pepper
  • Stir in minced garlic
  • Pour black beans
  • Mix in diced tomatoes
  • Shake chili powder
  • Sprinkle cumin
  • Dust with paprika
  • Add cayenne pepper if you like heat
  • Sprinkle oregano
  • Dash of salt
  • Pour chicken broth
  • Add diced sweet potatoes

Stir everything until well mixed.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The chili is ready when sweet potatoes become tender and flavors blend beautifully.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes like:
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro

Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!

Tips for Perfect Texture and Spice in Crock Pot Chili

  • Dice Potatoes Uniformly: Cut sweet potatoes into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chili.
  • Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place firmer vegetables like sweet potatoes and onions at the bottom of the crock pot for more even heat distribution.
  • Adjust Spice Levels Carefully: Start with smaller amounts of cayenne pepper and chili powder, tasting and adding more gradually to control heat intensity.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider sautéing onions and garlic briefly before adding to the crock pot to develop a richer, more caramelized flavor profile.
  • Optimize Toppings Variety: Experiment with different garnishes like crumbled queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, or toasted pumpkin seeds to add texture and complexity.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Sweet Potato Chili Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Freeze: Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems dry. Microwave is also an option – heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What Goes Well with Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

  • Unleash Southwestern Sips: Pair this hearty chili with a crisp, citrusy Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis to cut through the rich, spicy flavors and refresh your palate.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose an amber ale or brown ale with subtle malt sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes and balances the chili's heat without overpowering the dish.
  • Creamy Contrast Topping: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to add a cool, tangy element that softens the chili's spiciness and creates a silky texture contrast.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and green onions on top to brighten the dish with a zesty, herbal note that elevates the overall flavor profile and adds a pop of color.

Flavor Variations on Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

  • Veggie Vigor: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add diced zucchini or corn for extra vegetable power and nutrition.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Increase cayenne pepper, add chopped jalapeños, and mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a fiery, bold flavor profile.
  • Protein Boost: Incorporate ground turkey or lean ground beef for meat lovers wanting additional protein and a heartier meal option.
  • Coconut Curry Fusion: Stir in coconut milk and mild curry powder to transform the traditional chili into a creamy, international-inspired dish with complex layers of taste.
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Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired sweet potato black bean chili delivers hearty comfort in one pot. Warm spices and creamy beans create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • ½ onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Gather a spacious slow cooker and prepare to layer flavors by combining diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, aromatic minced garlic, protein-rich black beans, and chunky diced tomatoes into the cooking vessel.
  2. Sprinkle in a robust blend of chili powder, ground cumin, sweet paprika, and a whisper of cayenne pepper for subtle heat, complemented by dried oregano and a measured pinch of salt.
  3. Pour in chicken broth to create a liquid foundation, then gently fold in cubed sweet potatoes, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together for 4 to 5 hours, or until the sweet potatoes reach a tender, almost creamy consistency.
  5. Once cooking is complete, carefully ladle the hearty chili into serving bowls, creating a warm and inviting presentation.
  6. Elevate the dish’s complexity by garnishing with a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves, adding layers of texture and brightness to each serving.

Notes

  • Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, nutrient-packed meal bursting with southwestern flavors.
  • Sweet potatoes provide a creamy, naturally sweet base that beautifully balances the spicy and savory chili elements.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick.
  • Black beans deliver plant-based protein and create a satisfying, filling texture that makes this dish perfect for vegetarian meals.
  • Prep time is minimal, making this a convenient one-pot wonder for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  • Toppings like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and tangy sour cream elevate the chili’s complexity and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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