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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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