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
Kinda bland for me the first try. I think my chili powder wasn’t very strong? I ended up adding more smoked paprika and it improved a lot.
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.
Made this last night and it’s honestly super cozy. The smoked paprika really brings the flavor together—will be repeating this one.
Yes!! I made this too and the smoked paprika is the real MVP. So cozy and actually tastes better the next day.
Mine was good but I think it needed more liquid—mine got kinda thick after 30 min. Next time I’ll add extra broth and maybe a splash of lime. Still tasty though.
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.”
Not bad at all! I didn’t have smoked paprika so I used regular paprika and a tiny pinch of cayenne. Still tasted good.
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.
Worst. my sweet potato didn’t get tender and it was too watery. Also I forgot the cilantro and it somehow got worse??? maybe i did something wrong lol
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.
Not bad, but I think my chili powder was weak? It tasted a little flat until I added more cumin and salt. Also, 30 minutes wasn’t enough for my sweet potatoes—had to cook longer. Still ate it all though.
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?
Okay but like… 30 minutes isn’t enough for my sweet potatoes. Mine were still kinda firm after simmering, so I ended up cooking closer to 45. Maybe depends on size.
Totally agree—sweet potato size makes a big difference. I dice mine pretty big and 30 min is never enough for me either.
Really? Mine are usually tender at 30 min 🤷♀️ I cut them into small cubes though, like 1/2 inch. Might be your dice size.
Made this last night—super cozy and flavorful. The smoked paprika really comes through, and the sweet potatoes make it feel hearty without being heavy. I used a little extra cilantro at the end and it was perfect.
Honestly this is healthy but it feels a little bland. I added cumin and smoked paprika like it says, but still needed more salt and maybe some lime at the end.
Yum!!
Sweet potato in chili? Weird combo. Who thought of that? 🤷♀️
I’m skeptical about sweet potato in chili, but wow. The flavor is sweet-salty and the texture is amazing. I’ll definitely make this again—easy weeknight meal.
Pretty solid, but mine needed more salt than the recipe said. Also I simmered closer to 40 minutes so the sweet potatoes got really tender.
This is the only chili I actually make now. Black beans + sweet potatoes = best combo. Will definitely be repeating.
Good base recipe. I found it needed more salt than “1 tsp” and maybe a bit more cumin at the end, but otherwise the timing was right and the sweet potatoes cooked through.
The cilantro garnish is nice but I’m not a cilantro person, so I used parsley. It still tasted good, just different.
Good idea but mine turned out kinda bland until I salted more. Also my sweet potatoes took longer than 5 minutes to soften—maybe my cubes were too big. Overall solid.
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!
My garlic burned a tiny bit because I got distracted, so that part was rough. Still edible though. I’d keep an eye on it after step 3.
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.
I followed it exactly and it came out kinda watery for me. Maybe my cans were bigger or I didn’t simmer long enough—could reduce uncovered next time.
This chili is amazing! So hearty and flavorful. My kids loved it too! Definitely making it again.
Easy and flavorful, but I had to simmer closer to 40 minutes because my sweet potatoes were huge. Next time I’ll dice smaller.
Mine took longer too—my sweet potatoes were like small bricks 😅 Dicing smaller definitely helps. Great flavor either way!
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.
Black bean chili should be spicy spicy, not mild. I doubled the chili powder and it still felt kinda tame. Next time I’ll add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Totally agree—this reads more “cozy” than “spicy.” If you want heat, I’d definitely add jalapeños (or even chipotle in adobo) and a splash of hot sauce at the end. Sweet potatoes can also mellow things out a bit.
Huh, I didn’t have that problem. I only used a little extra chili powder and it was plenty hot for me. Maybe the brand of chili powder matters? Also 30 minutes might mellow it—maybe simmer longer or use fresher spices.
Yawn. I know sweet potato chili sounds interesting but it tasted like regular bean soup to me. Didn’t wow me.
Made it last night and everyone went back for seconds. I was worried it’d be too sweet, but the chili powder balances it out nicely.
Love hearing that! The sweet potato + black bean combo is such a win, and chili powder really does cut through the sweetness. 😊
I made this too and thought it might be way too sweet, but nope—tastes balanced. I added extra smoked paprika tho and it was *chef’s kiss*.
The combo of sweet potatoes and black beans is interesting, I’ll give it that. It’s hearty, but I wish the consistency was thicker—mine was more like soup.
Yeah, I’ve had it turn soupy too. I think 2 cups broth might be a bit much depending on how big you dice the sweet potatoes. Next time I’ll use less liquid or simmer uncovered longer to thicken it.
I love sweet potato chili, but mine was kinda watery like you said. I also felt like 30 min wasn’t long enough—maybe simmer 45 min and mash a few beans at the end?
Absolutely love this chili! So flavorful and filling. I added some corn for extra sweetness and it was amazing!
I followed it pretty closely but used regular paprika instead of smoked (didn’t have it). Still good, just not as deep. Next time I’ll get smoked paprika.
I think the seasoning needs tweaking. 1 tsp cumin and 1 tbsp chili powder felt a little underwhelming for my palate. Maybe add a pinch of sugar or more paprika?
I followed it mostly, but I think I under-salted. Also my onion took longer than 5 minutes to soften. Still, it turned out nice—just needed a little extra seasoning at the end.
Not sure about the cilantro garnish. I used it once and it tasted like soap to me (tragic, I know). Otherwise the chili was tasty and hearty.
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.
3 cloves garlic felt like a lot? Still good though. The spice level is mild—might add more chili powder if you like heat.
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! 🌽
Couldn’t get the chili to taste “chili-y” enough. Maybe I measured the spices wrong, but it felt a little flat until I added lime juice at the end.
Could be your smoked paprika/chili powder ratio. I usually bloom the spices longer (like 2-3 min) and don’t just rely on final seasoning. Flat chili is usually under-salted or not simmered with the spices long enough.
Yeah, I’ve had that happen too. Lime at the end makes it pop—also try a pinch more chili powder or a dash of cayenne while it simmers so it tastes “chili-y” throughout.
Pretty good! I followed it pretty closely, but next time I’ll simmer a bit longer to thicken it more. The flavors are solid and it’s definitely filling. Would be great with rice or cornbread.
This recipe says 30 minutes, but my sweet potatoes were not tender at all at that point. I ended up cooking for like an hour. Flavor was good though, just timing needs adjusting.
I accidentally used diced tomatoes with jalapeños and now it’s way too spicy for me 😭 but my neighbor loved it. Recipe is forgiving!
Oh no 😭 I’m glad it still turned out though! Next time you can cool it down by adding more broth/beans or a splash of something creamy (yogurt or cheese).
Honestly jalapeños in chili are a gamble 😅 your neighbor has good spice tolerance, you… not so much. Try using half the tomatoes or adding extra bell pepper to balance.
I followed the recipe pretty closely and it came out flavorful, not too thick though. Next time I’ll simmer a bit longer to reduce more. Still, everyone went back for seconds.
Not trying to be a downer but 30 minutes seems kinda short for sweet potatoes, depending on how big you cut them. If yours were tender then cool, but I usually do closer to 45. Also did you cover the pot while simmering? That can change the thickness a lot.
That’s awesome—“flavorful but not too thick” is exactly what I aim for. If you want it thicker next time, simmering longer makes sense (or even mash a few spoonfuls of beans). Seconds from everyone is the real win 😄
Made this tonight and it was seriously comforting. The smoked paprika makes it taste way more “real chili” than I expected. I used extra cilantro and it really brightened it up.
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.
This chili is super cozy. The sweet potato really balances the spice, and the smoked paprika makes it taste way more “restaurant” than I expected. I added a little extra cumin and it was perfect.
I made this and mine tasted kinda sweet at first—next time I’ll cut the sweet potato amount or add more chili powder. Still cozy though!
Totally agree—sweet potato + smoked paprika is such a good combo. I also do a little extra cumin and it turns out way richer.
5 stars! 😍
Yum! This is like healthy comfort food. Also, black beans are always a win. Will make again for sure.
Sounds good, but I’m wondering—do you drain the diced tomatoes too or just add the whole can? Either way I’ll try it.
Love this! Sweet potatoes + black beans is such a winning combo, and the smoked paprika really makes it cozy.
Meh. I thought it needed more salt and maybe more chili powder. Tastes kinda like bean soup… not bad, just not wow.
1 tsp salt is definitely not enough for me. Also I didn’t have cilantro so I used parsley and it tasted… fine? Chili survived. Lol.
Great chili! (also cilantro makes it better) Can confirm 👍
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.
Absolutely delicious! The sweet potatoes make it taste cozy and slightly sweet without being weird. I used smoked paprika and it really brought everything together.
Not gonna lie, 30 minutes didn’t feel like enough for the sweet potatoes. Mine were still firm after simmering, so I had to cook longer. Flavor was okay.
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.
Okay so… I followed it mostly but accidentally used 2 tbsp chili powder (oops). Still edible though, my mouth is paying for my mistakes 😅
Honestly that’s not too bad—2 tbsp chili powder can still be delicious if you like the heat 😅 Next time just add a bit more broth/tomatoes to balance it out.
Tried this last night—super easy and flavorful. My only tweak: I added a chopped jalapeño because I like it spicy. Still turned out great.
I like the flavor combo, but the texture of the sweet potatoes turned kind of mushy for me. Next time I’ll dice them a little bigger.
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.
Half the time my chili burns, but this one didn’t. Also my roommates ate seconds, so… yeah. 😅
I’m not usually into sweet potatoes in chili, but this surprised me. It’s not too sweet at all—more like mellow. Would add corn next time for texture.
Pretty good and easy. I did simmer closer to 40 minutes because my sweet potato chunks were bigger, but the flavor was solid. Next time I’ll add a bit of hot sauce too.
Made this last night—so cozy. The smoked paprika really comes through and the sweet potatoes make it taste slightly sweet without being weird.
So easy and honestly delicious. I meal-prepped it and it tastes even better tomorrow. My whole family asked for seconds.
The spices are on point. That chili powder + cumin combo smells amazing while it simmers. I skipped cilantro (didn’t have any) and it still tasted great.
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! 🥗
I accidentally used canned diced tomatoes with green chiles and it was spicier than planned. Still delicious though. Just warning: check what tomatoes you’re buying!
lol happened to me once—thought I was buying “just tomatoes” but it was actually spicy. If it’s too hot, add more broth or a little extra bell pepper/sweet potato and it evens out.
Good call! I always forget diced tomatoes can vary a lot. I’ll definitely double-check for chiles next time—might need to reduce chili powder too.
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.
Meh. Tastes kinda sweet to me. I know sweet potato is in it, but I felt like it overpowered the chili powder. Maybe I used the wrong chili powder?
I’m not usually a chili person but this was nice. The cilantro on top is a must. Next time I might add a little corn for texture.
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.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about sweet potato + chili, but it works. I added a squeeze of lime and it tasted restaurant-level.
I totally get the skepticism—sweet + chili sounds weird—but I’m glad it worked for you! Lime is a great call.
I’m not usually a chili person, but this was actually tasty. The black beans + sweet potato combo is surprisingly balanced. 10/10 would make again.
This was tasty, but mine took longer than 30 minutes for the sweet potatoes to get tender. I ended up simmering like 45—worth it though.
Solid flavor, but mine turned out a little watery. I think my diced sweet potatoes were too big? Next time I’ll cut them smaller or simmer longer to thicken.
Watery chili is the worst 😅 but honestly 30 minutes might be too short with big chunks. Next time cut them smaller like you said or keep the lid off at the end to reduce.
That makes sense—bigger sweet potato pieces can absolutely keep it from breaking down and thickening. I usually simmer closer to 35–45 min and mash a few cubes right in the pot.
Boring. Chili powder + cumin + paprika is basic. No way this beats real Texas chili with actual meat (and a roux or whatever).
I followed the recipe but it tasted bland until I added extra salt and a squeeze of lime. After that it was actually good. Not sure why the salt amount says 1 tsp or to taste though.
I’m skeptical of chili with sweet potatoes. Like is it chili or soup with vibes? 😅 I tried it anyway and the texture was fine, but it felt sweeter than I expected. Would only make it if I’m in a “sweet-savory” mood.
This is genuinely comforting. I used smoked paprika and it gave such a nice depth—way better than plain chili. The sweet potatoes make it slightly sweet and thick without needing any extra stuff.
Made it tonight and it was super easy. I sautéed the onion longer than 5 min because I like it more caramelized, and it paid off. 10/10 would cook again.
I’m not convinced. The ingredients seem fine, but it came out kinda watery even after simmering. Might just need thicker tomatoes or less broth.
Not sure about the cumin amount… feels a little strong? I’m also not a huge chili person, so maybe I’m biased. Texture is great, and the broth is flavorful.
This chili is seriously comforting. The sweet potatoes make it taste hearty without being heavy. I used a bit extra smoked paprika and it was perfect.