Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors, hearty vegetables, and plenty of warmth to get you through the cooler months. This plant-based chili is a wonderful balance of savory, spicy, and naturally sweet ingredients. The creamy texture of sweet potatoes and the satisfying bite of black beans combine to create a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and nourishing. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this chili is sure to become a favorite.
What makes this chili so special is the beautiful blend of ingredients. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the hearty, earthy black beans, while chili spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder bring depth and warmth to the dish. A hint of garlic and onion adds a savory base, and fresh tomatoes help round out the flavor, making each bite satisfying and complex.
This chili is wonderfully versatile, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to enhance the texture and flavor. A dash of lime juice or a sprinkle of cilantro just before serving brightens the dish and adds an extra layer of freshness. For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne or jalapeño adds the perfect kick.
Not only is Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili delicious, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a wholesome meal that will keep you satisfied without weighing you down. It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary preferences.
Serve it with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice for a complete, satisfying meal. Leftovers are perfect for meal prep or freezing, and this chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for cooler days. It’s warm, comforting, and a great way to enjoy seasonal ingredients in a satisfying, easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes peeled and diced, large
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cans black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- cilantro for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
Pretty solid, especially with the sweet potatoes. I used fire-roasted tomatoes and it gave it a nice kick. Would recommend letting it simmer closer to 45 minutes for thicker flavor.
Love this tip! Fire-roasted tomatoes are the move—adds so much depth. And yes, simmering longer definitely helps the flavors meld.
Not bad, but I like my chili spicy. I added jalapeños and it was way better!
Delicious! Didn’t have vegetable broth, so used chicken broth. Still turned out great!
Really easy to make! Just threw everything in one pot. Flavor was really good! A keeper.
I dunno about sweet potatoes in chili. They are too sweet for me. I skipped them and it was fine.
This sounds healthy but kinda bland? I followed it exactly and it needed more salt + more cumin for me. Otherwise it was just “okay chili.”
I made it but forgot the beans 🤦♂️. Still tasted good, but I think beans are important.
Not bad! I was worried the sweet potatoes would make it too sweet, but it balanced out. Next time I’ll maybe add a diced jalapeño for more heat.
Sweet potatoes? Really? Never thought those would go in chili, but I might give it a shot. 🤔
Yummy!!! 😍 I made it twice already. It’s a hit at my potlucks. Thanks for the recipe!
Chili’s good but was too thin. I added lotsa cheese, hope that’s not a sin! 😅
Cheese is always a win! But yeah, thinned chili can be a bummer. Why not try thickening with some cornmeal next time? 😄
Made this last night—so cozy. The smoked paprika really makes it taste deeper than regular chili. I added a little extra cumin and it was perfect.
This chili is amazing! I can’t believe how flavorful it is. Definitely a keeper! 🍲
Sweet potatoes and black beans? Sounds weird. Who even eats that? Is it good?
Yum!!
Sweet potato in chili? Weird combo. Who thought of that? 🤷♀️
Way too sweet! I thought it was gonna be spicy. Do you really need that many sweet potatoes?
This chili is fantastic! The flavors are amazing and so filling. I added a little extra chili powder for a kick!
Why does it say to cook for 30 minutess? Mine were still hard. Maybe my sweet potatoes were too big? 🤷♀️
30 minutes seems long enough to me. Maybe they needed more time or your stove isn’t heating right? 🤔
I had the same issue! My sweet potatoes were huge too. I just cut mine smaller next time and it worked better. Try that!
This chili is absolutely delicious! Perfect for the chilly weather. My family loved it!
I’m glad your family loved it! I made it last week and it was a hit too. Perfect for cozy nights!
Looks good but is it really that good? Sweet potatoes in chili? Sounds a bit odd to me.
It was okay, but I think it could use more spice. I added jalapenos but still felt it was missing something.
Yum! My kids even loved this! Who knew veggies could be this good? 5 stars!
That’s awesome! Sweet potatoes are the best! Glad to hear your kids loved it! 👍
Veggies? Really? I tried it and it was ok, but my kids didn’t eat it! Seems like a waste, lol.
Eh, don’t think I’d make this again. Just not for me, I prefer traditional chili with beef.
This was okay, I guess. But honestly just tastes like soup to me. Expected chili flavor.
I tried makin it but I ended up with a mushy mess… maybe I did something wrong? Ehh.
Don’t worry, sometimes it happens! Maybe the sweet potatoes were overcooked? Next time, keep an eye on them.
This chili is amazing! So hearty and flavorful. My kids loved it too! Definitely making it again.
This chili is vegan, right? I’m not vegan but I love trying new things. Will make again! 🙂
Eh, it was fine. Not really my thing. I prefer regular chili with meat.
Absolutely love this chili! So flavorful and filling. I added some corn for extra sweetness and it was amazing!
Quick and easy! Perfect for busy weeknights! Thanks for sharing!
This chili sounds awesome! I love how simple it is, totally gonna try it this week!
This is the best recipe I ever made, hands down! Never thought sweet potatoes and black beans could be this good together.
Yea idk. 2 cups broth seems like a lot; mine didn’t thicken even after simmering. Flavor was okay but it felt more like soup than chili.
Pretty good, but mine took longer than 30 minutes for the sweet potatoes to get tender (more like 45). Still worth it though, and the flavor was bold.
I dunno, it was a bit bland for me. I added some hot sauce and that helped, but still feel like it needed more.
So easy to make! I added some corn and it was a hit at the potluck! 🌽
Yummy! I used canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh. Still turned out good! 😋
Canned?? That’s a bit lazy 😂 but glad it worked for you! Definitely need fresh for the full flavor though.
I forgot to rinse the black beans once… and it was a bit too beany. Also, I didn’t have cilantro so I used parsley—still tasted fine, just not as bright.
Wow, this came out so cozy. The smoked paprika really makes it taste like it’s been simmering all day. I added a squeeze of lime and it was perfect.
Easy to make and healthy! I can’t believe how good sweet potatoes taste in chili. Will make again!
I totally agree! Sweet potatoes in chili are a game changer. So hearty and filling! 😊
I’m picky about chili, but this one worked. Sweet potato adds a nice sweetness and the texture is great. I used smoked chili powder too and didn’t even need extra salt.
Glad it worked for you! Sweet potato chili is the best kind of “healthy-ish” comfort food 😄 I always add a little extra smoked paprika too—nice smoky vibe.
I don’t know, it was kinda bland. Maybe I didn’t put enough salt? I expected more flavor honestly.
I followed the steps exactly but mine came out kinda watery. I think my pot was bigger? Still tasty though—would just simmer uncovered longer.
Same thing happened to me once—my pot was bigger and it never thickened. Simmering uncovered longer usually fixes it. I’d also mash a bit of the beans in the end.
Watery chili is usually either too much broth or not enough reduction. If you’ve got more time, just keep it at a gentle simmer until it looks thicker. Tbh I always simmer like 45+ mins.
So easy and honestly delicious. I meal-prepped it and it tastes even better tomorrow. My whole family asked for seconds.
This is not chili! Where’s the meat?! Veggie stuff is weird, but my wife liked it. 😅
It’s called veggie chili for a reason! Some people like it healthier. Glad your wife enjoyed it! 🥗
Not bad, but I think 1 tbsp chili powder is a lot for my spice tolerance. Next time I’ll cut it in half and add cayenne instead if needed.
I don’t get the hype. Chili needs meat or it’s not chili 😅 Also my sweet potato got mushy.
The ingredient list looks good, but 30 minutes feels too short for sweet potatoes in my experience. I ended up roasting them first and then adding—way better texture.
Boring. Chili powder + cumin + paprika is basic. No way this beats real Texas chili with actual meat (and a roux or whatever).