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Black Bean Sweet Potato

Featured in Meals That Make the Table Happy.

This black bean and sweet potato dish creates comforting goodness with a rich twist. The sweet potato chunks bring a natural sweetness and pop of color, while black beans ensure a hearty protein-packed texture. Everything simmers beautifully in a seasoned broth with chipotle, spices like cumin, and the hint of cinnamon adding a surprising depth. Garnish with avocado slices, lime juice, or fresh cilantro to make every serving just right for you.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:21 GMT
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Black Bean and Sweet Potato Dish | mecooking.com

Cozy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

When chilly weather hits, nothing beats a steaming bowl of chili. I'm pumped to tell you about our family's go-to meal: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili. It's not just super tasty but packed with good stuff too. Works great for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone wanting a hearty, healthy dinner.

Why You'll Love This Chili

This dish wins on many fronts. It's crazy simple to whip up, especially in a slow cooker. Just think - you can walk through your door after a long day to find dinner ready and your home smelling amazing with those sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices doing their thing. Can't beat that kind of simplicity when life gets busy. The stars of this chili - sweet potatoes and black beans - taste fantastic together and pack a nutritional punch. Sweet potatoes give you loads of vitamins A and C plus potassium and fiber, while black beans bring protein, fiber, and tons of minerals. Together they make a meal that'll fill you up and fuel your body right.

What You'll Need

  • 1 big onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 big sweet potatoes, skin removed and cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
  • 2 tbsp chili powder (swap for chipotle and ancho chile powder if you want more kick)
  • 1 tsp cumin, ground
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (skip if you want)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, washed and drained
  • 2 cups veggie broth
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for topping)
  • Lime slices (for squeezing)
  • Extra toppings if you want: avocado, cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes

Getting Your Stuff Ready

  • Cut the onion into equal medium chunks so it cooks right.
  • Chop garlic into tiny bits so the flavor spreads everywhere.
  • Cut sweet potatoes into same-sized bites after peeling them. Same size means they'll cook evenly.
  • Chop the red bell pepper into medium pieces similar to the onion.

Starting With Flavors

First, warm up a couple spoonfuls of olive oil in a big pan over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, throw in your chopped onion and cook it till it's soft and see-through, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your whole chili. Then add your chopped garlic and cook another minute, stirring all the time so it doesn't burn. Your kitchen will start smelling awesome with these two cooking together, getting you hungry for what's coming.

Mixing In Spices And Veggies

  • Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if you're using it), salt, and pepper. Let them cook about a minute so they release all their good flavors.
  • Throw in sweet potatoes and bell pepper; cook them 5 minutes. This helps soften them a bit before they go in the slow cooker.

Moving To The Slow Cooker

  • Pour in diced tomatoes, black beans, veggie broth, and water. Mix everything up really well.
  • Put the lid on and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker takes over now, so you can do other stuff while dinner makes itself.

Other Ways To Cook It

  • On The Stove: Cook the onions and garlic first, then dump everything into a big pot. Let it boil, turn down the heat to low, and simmer about 30-40 minutes until sweet potatoes get soft.
  • In An Instant Pot: Brown the onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, and bell pepper using the saute setting. Add everything else, lock the lid, and cook on high pressure 15-20 minutes. Let pressure drop on its own before you open it.

Ways To Serve It

  • Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice on top. This adds brightness and zing.
  • Put out extra toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, and fresh tomatoes. These add more flavors, textures, and make it look prettier.
  • Pair with warm corn tortillas or eat with a kale salad on the side. For a bigger meal, serve with crusty bread or over quinoa.

Good For Your Body

  • Lots Of Fiber: Both sweet potatoes and black beans have tons of fiber, helping your digestion and keeping you full longer.
  • Full Of Protein: Black beans give you plenty of plant protein, making this perfect if you don't eat meat.
  • Loaded With Vitamins: Sweet potatoes pack vitamins A and C, potassium, and other important minerals.
  • Fights Bad Stuff: The mix of sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers gives you plenty of antioxidants.

Make It Your Own

  • Change The Heat: Make it as mild or spicy as you want by changing how much chili powder you use or trying different peppers.
  • Try New Things: Toss in extras to change the flavor. A can of green chilies or some chopped kale works great.
  • Add Quinoa: Want it more filling with extra protein? Mix in some cooked quinoa.

Perfect For Cold Weather

  • Soul Food: The deep, hearty taste makes this the ultimate comfort food when it's cold out.
  • Budget-Friendly: Sweet potatoes and black beans don't cost much and are easy to find year-round.
  • Party Pleaser: This recipe works great for big groups since you can easily make more and let people add their own toppings.

Top It Your Way

  • Add Avocado: Sliced or chunked avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
  • Squeeze Lime: Fresh lime juice brightens everything up.
  • Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro and green onions add a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Dairy Options: If you aren't vegan, grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream make it richer.
  • Crunchy Stuff: Whole or crushed tortilla chips give you something to crunch.

Final Thoughts: A Chili For All Times

This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili works for just about any situation. Need a quick weeknight dinner? Check. Something to bring to a sick friend? Perfect. Want to wow a crowd? This'll do it. It's easy to make, super good for you, and so flexible that you'll want to keep it in your regular rotation. Give this chili a shot and enjoy how warm and happy it makes you feel. Drop me a comment about how yours turned out or any cool changes you made - I love seeing how you guys make these recipes work for you! This chili isn't just food; it's a way to bring folks together around the table with warm, filling flavors. Whether you're a kitchen pro or just learning to cook, you'll probably make this again and again. So grab your slow cooker, round up your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Black Bean Sweet Potato

Savor a hearty Black Bean and Sweet Potato Bowl filled with rich flavor. Ideal for vegan, gluten-free diets, and a fantastic dinner choice.

Prep Time
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Cook Time
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Total Time
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By: Mariana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: ~

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped.
02 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks.
03 1 large onion, roughly chopped.
04 3 garlic cloves, minced.
05 1 tsp cumin powder.
06 1/2 tsp salt.
07 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional).
08 1 tsp smoked paprika (if you'd like).
09 2 tbsp chili powder (use chipotle or ancho chili powder to spice it up).
10 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
11 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes.
12 2 cups vegetable stock.
13 1 can (15 oz) black beans, washed and drained.
14 1/4 cup water.
15 A few lime wedges, for squeezing over.
16 A dollop of avocado or sour cream, if you'd like.
17 Warm tortillas or crusty bread, for the side (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Switch on the sauté setting if you're using an Instant Pot, or warm up a skillet over medium heat for a slow cooker. Toss in the onion pieces, letting them soften for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly, just long enough to release its smell.

Step 02

Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if you're in the mood), black pepper, and salt to the onions. Stir constantly for almost a minute. Add the chunks of sweet potato and the diced red pepper. Let it all cook together, stirring a few times, for about 5 minutes.

Step 03

For the slow cooker, move the onion mixture into it. Add black beans, tomatoes, water, and broth. Cover the pot and cook it on high for 3-4 hours or let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. If using the Instant Pot, add all ingredients in, secure the lid, and set it to high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Let it sit for 10 minutes before releasing the pressure completely.

Step 04

Dish out the hot chili into bowls, sprinkling some cilantro on top if you'd like. Serve it with lime wedges, your choice of avocado or sour cream, and either tortillas or crusty bread on the side.

Notes

  1. Made entirely plant-based and gluten-free, this dish works great for many diets.
  2. You can make it ahead, as it keeps well both in the fridge and freezer.
  3. Boost or reduce the spiciness by adjusting how much and what kind of chili powder you use.
  4. Sweet potatoes and black beans work together to create a filling, tasty meatless chili.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker.
  • Instant Pot.
  • A skillet.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~