The Ultimate Hearty Sweet Potato Chili Recipe for Cold Days

Sweet potato chili reimagines ordinary comfort food into a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal that tingles your taste buds with unexpected warmth.

Robust spices dance alongside soft, velvety sweet potato chunks, creating a symphony of flavors that defies traditional chili expectations.

Nutritional powerhouses mingle in this plant-based masterpiece, offering a protein-packed alternative to meat-heavy recipes.

Hearty beans and aromatic seasonings weave complex layers of depth into each spoonful.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes softens the chili sharp edges, resulting in a perfectly balanced dish.

Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will appreciate this innovative twist on a classic favorite.

What to Pair with Sweet Potato Chili

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Zinfandel or Syrah perfectly complements the hearty chili's spicy and rich flavors, cutting through the sweetness of the potatoes and enhancing the beef's depth.
• Create Crunchy Texture Contrast: Serve with crispy tortilla chips or cornbread to add a satisfying crunch that balances the chili's soft, tender ingredients and provides a delightful textural experience.
• Cool Down with Creamy Accompaniment: Top with cool, tangy sour cream or fresh Greek yogurt to balance the chili's heat and add a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy dish.
• Match with Mexican-Inspired Beer: Choose a light Mexican lager like Modelo or Corona to cleanse the palate and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the chili's robust and spicy profile.

Sweet Potato Chili Twists to Try Next Time

• Vegetarian Hearty Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like quinoa, lentils, or black beans for a nutritious meat-free version that maintains rich, robust flavors.
• Smoky Turkey Transformation: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that still delivers deep, satisfying southwestern-style chili notes.
• Slow Cooker Comfort: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat and sautéing onions, allowing flavors to meld together over 6-8 hours on low heat for an effortless, hands-off meal preparation.
• Fire-Roasted Spicy Edition: Incorporate fire-roasted tomatoes and increase chipotle pepper quantity for an intensified smoky, spicy profile that elevates the chili's overall taste complexity.

Why Sweet Potato Chili Is Sweet, Spicy, and Satisfying

• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with fiber-rich sweet potatoes and protein-packed ground beef, this chili delivers a powerful nutritional punch that keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
• Spice Up Your Comfort: The smoky chipotle pepper and warming spices create a bold, complex flavor profile that transforms traditional chili into an exciting, mouth-watering meal that comforts and challenges your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: With just one pot and simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, hassle-free dinner that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Customize Your Bowl: Versatile toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro allow everyone to personalize their chili, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that adapts to different preferences and dietary needs.

Root Veggies and Seasonings That Work Wonders

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that adds creamy texture and natural sweetness to the chili.
• Onion: Aromatic base that provides depth of flavor and foundational taste.
• Garlic: Robust ingredient that enhances overall savory profile of the dish.
• Ground Beef: Rich meat that creates substantial and filling texture in the chili.
• Beans: Protein-packed legumes that contribute additional texture and nutritional value.
• Chipotle Pepper: Smoky pepper that adds complex heat and southwestern flavor.
• Spices: Blend of seasonings that create balanced and warm taste profile.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Acidic base that provides moisture and tangy undertone.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Cheese: Creamy topping that adds richness.
• Sour Cream: Cool garnish that balances spicy elements.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright flavor accent.
• Chips: Crunchy accompaniment for textural contrast.

One-Pot Instructions for Cozy Cooking

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Onion
• Garlic
• Chipotle pepper

Rinse beans thoroughly.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Remove beef from pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté onions until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Diced sweet potatoes
• Chopped chipotle pepper
• Spices and seasonings

Stir to coat ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Simmer

• Crushed tomatoes
• Water
• Rinsed beans
• Browned beef

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Cook and Finish

Cover the pot and let chili simmer for 30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors have melded.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• Tortilla chips

Tips for Sweet and Heat in Harmony

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast spices in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance their aromatic qualities and create a richer taste profile.
• Manage Potato Texture: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some chunks from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper based on your heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually adding more to achieve the perfect balance of warmth and flavor.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Consider using lean ground beef or substituting with turkey for a healthier protein option without compromising the chili's hearty texture.
• Elevate Serving Experience: Let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together, and experiment with diverse toppings to create a personalized and exciting meal.

How to Reheat Without Turning It to Mush

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal flavor.
• Freeze: Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date. Frozen chili stays delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw refrigerated or frozen chili in the microwave or on the stovetop. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated thoroughly. Stovetop reheating works best on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems dry, which helps restore its original creamy consistency and prevents burning.

Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Sweet Potato Chili brings Mexican-inspired comfort with robust flavors dancing through each spoonful. Protein-packed legumes and rich vegetables create a soul-warming meal that satisfies deep hunger while offering nourishing warmth you’ll crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (453.6 grams) ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 pound (453.6 grams) sweet potatoes
• 1 medium white onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can kidney beans
• 1 (28-ounce/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, with more to taste
• 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers, adjusted to taste
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) pieces. Finely dice yellow onion and mince fresh garlic cloves. Carefully chop chipotle pepper and thoroughly rinse black or kidney beans under cold water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking meat into small crumbles, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked beef to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.
3. In the same pot, sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Return browned beef to the pot. Introduce cubed sweet potatoes, chopped chipotle pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even spice distribution.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, water or beef broth, and rinsed beans. Gently stir to combine all components. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low.
6. Cover pot and allow chili to simmer for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes become tender but not mushy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
7. Ladle chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, diced red onions, and crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by getting all ingredients ready before cooking to streamline the chili-making process.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chipotle pepper amount or swapping with different peppers for personalized spice.
• Ground beef can be substituted with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together overnight.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals up to three months later.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 50mg