Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This dish combines tender sweet potatoes with black beans and a rich blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Simmered in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, the flavors meld to create a comforting, nourishing meal. Garnished with fresh cilantro, lime, and avocado, it delivers warmth and depth with every bite while suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:05:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Save
Steaming bowl of Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. | nachohaha.com

A hearty, vibrant vegetarian chili featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of warming spices—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

I first tried this chili on a chilly evening, looking for something warming but wholesome. It quickly became a family favorite that we return to often, thanks to it being so fuss-free and filling.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (about 500 g)
  • Onion: 1 large, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Black beans: 2 cans (400 g each), drained and rinsed
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g)
  • Vegetable broth: 500 ml
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1½ tsp
  • Chili powder: 1 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Salt: ¾ tsp, or to taste
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Lime wedges: (optional for garnish)
  • Sliced avocado: (optional for garnish)
  • Sour cream or vegan alternative: (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Sauté vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Add aromatics:
Stir in garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add sweet potatoes:
Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spice it up:
Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper over vegetables. Stir to coat.
Simmer:
Pour in diced tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to simmer.
Cook through:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
Final seasoning:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, and sour cream as desired.
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| nachohaha.com

This chili always reminds me of cozy nights at home with everyone gathered around the table. The kids love piling their bowls high with avocado and a squeeze of lime—it's become our go-to comfort dish.

Required Tools

Large heavy-bottomed pot, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Free from common allergens: contains no nuts, dairy, eggs, or gluten. For dairy-free, use vegan sour cream and always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 340 calories, 7 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein

Rich, flavorful Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with friends. Save
Rich, flavorful Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with friends. | nachohaha.com

Enjoy this vibrant chili as a delicious centerpiece any night of the week. Leftovers are even tastier and perfect for lunch the next day!

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I make the sweet potatoes tender?

Simmer the diced sweet potatoes in the broth and tomato mixture for 25-30 minutes until soft and easily pierced with a fork.

→ Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?

Yes, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spiciness, or omit the jalapeño for a milder flavor.

→ What are good garnishes to pair with this chili?

Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or vegan alternative enhance the flavors and texture.

→ Are there suitable protein substitutes for black beans?

Kidney or pinto beans can be used as alternatives to black beans without altering the overall flavor profile significantly.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.

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Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Hearty chili featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Plant-Based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.1 lbs)
02 1 large onion, diced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Legumes

01 2 cans (14 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids

01 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
02 2 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 2 tsp ground cumin
03 1½ tsp smoked paprika
04 1 tsp chili powder
05 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
06 1 tsp dried oregano
07 ¾ tsp salt, or to taste
08 ¼ tsp black pepper

Garnishes (optional)

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Lime wedges
03 Sliced avocado
04 Sour cream or vegan alternative

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Phase 02

Add aromatics and peppers: Stir in minced garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

Phase 03

Cook sweet potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 04

Incorporate spices: Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat vegetables.

Phase 05

Combine liquids and legumes: Add diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly and bring mixture to a simmer.

Phase 06

Simmer chili: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld.

Phase 07

Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spices as desired.

Phase 08

Serve with garnishes: Ladle chili into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, and sour cream or vegan alternative if preferred.

Tools needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Free from nuts, dairy, eggs, and gluten; verify dairy in sour cream or opt for vegan alternative
  • Check canned goods for cross-contamination if sensitive

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 11 g

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