This slow cooker vegetarian sweet potato chili provides a healthy and tasty substitution for the typical meat-based meal with all the flavors of a classic chili, but with one slight twist. The sweet potatoes add a colorful heartiness that will leave you questioning why you haven’t tried this before.
Keep reading to get your hands (and eyes) on a recipe that is good any time of the year.
Are sweet potatoes good in chili?
Sweet potatoes may not seem like the ideal choice for chili, but the way it meshes with other ingredients just may surprise you. The sweetness complements the mild spice of the paprika, onion powder, and chili powder while providing a smooth texture next to the vegetables and beans.
In addition to the lovely flavor, sweet potatoes give this chili recipe an extra nutritional kick. You can ensure that this meal is a much healthier option, from vitamins and protein to fiber and potassium. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s the best vegetarian chili recipe!
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: the highlight of the chili are diced sweet potatoes, which also add a nice and subtly sweet flavor.
- Beans: red kidney beans in chili sauce and black beans provide all the beans you’ll need.
- Diced Tomatoes: don’t worry about chopping your own; just grab canned tomatoes.
- Frozen Corn: keep it easy; you’ll need a bag of frozen corn.
- Bell Pepper: add color and flavor to the overall recipe.
- Onion: a classic chili ingredient that adds mild spice and flavor.
- Seasonings: paprika, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic, and lime juice combine to add the finishing flavors and taste to this vegetarian chili.
- Vegetable Broth: adds juice and flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Dice onions, green pepper, and sweet potato and add all ingredients into the crockpot.
Step Two – Give it a good stir to make sure everything combines well. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 5 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir and serve hot.
Variations
- Add or substitute other beans: Pinto beans and garbanzo beans make great additions or substitutions for a chili recipe like this.
- Substitute: Fire-roasted tomatoes for the can of regular diced tomatoes.
- Additional herbs: Although herbs will change the flavor just a bit, a complimentary herb to add would be a bay leaf at the beginning of the cooking time and perhaps a 1/4 cup of finely minced cilantro right before serving into the entire pot.
- Toppings: classic chili toppings are tortilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped green onion, sour cream, and avocado.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! This chili can be prepped and made ahead of time, cooked, and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is ideal if you want a hearty meal on hand without the extra prep.
Adding a can of diced tomatoes and green chiles will add a bit of spice; however, throw in a few dashes of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and/or if you’d like more cayenne pepper. Jalapeno slices are another great topping option that is sure to add a bit of a kick.
Once the chili has cooled, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week or three months in the freezer.
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Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe
Equipment Needed:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sweet potatoes diced
- 1 small white onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 30 oz. black beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz. can red beans in chili sauce undrained
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 fresh squeezed lime
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
Instructions:
- Dice sweet potatoes, onions, and bell pepper.
- Place all ingredients into crockpot and stir well.
- Cover and cook on high 3-4 hours or on low 5-6 hours or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot with desired toppings and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- Add or substitute other beans: Pinto beans and garbanzo beans make great additions or substitutions for a chili recipe like this.
- Substitute: Fire-roasted tomatoes for the can of regular diced tomatoes.
- Additional herbs: Although herbs will change the flavor just a bit, a complimentary herb to add would be a bay leaf at the beginning of the cooking time and perhaps a 1/4 cup of finely minced cilantro right before serving into the entire pot.
- Toppings: classic chili toppings are tortilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped green onion, sour cream, and avocado.
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Sounds awesome! Making it this weekend. Thank you.