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Overhead view of sweet potato black bean chili in a white bowl with spoon

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

A feel-good sweet potato chili that's satisfying and easy to make. It's full of rich, warm flavors. Plus everyone can garnish their bowl with their own favorite toppings!
AuthorKaitlin - The Garden Grazer
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
CourseMain Dish, Soup
CuisineGluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
Servings5 medium bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1 large sweet potato (2 cups cubed)
  • 4-5 cloves garlic
  • 30 oz. canned black beans (two 15 oz. cans)
  • 15 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or regular)
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika

Toppings (optional):

  • Avocado, cilantro, green onion, hot sauce, vegan sour cream, tortilla chips, etc.

Instructions

  • Dice onion. Peel and dice sweet potato.
  • In a stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté onion for 6-7 minutes. (I use 3 Tbsp. broth/water for no-oil sauté method.)
  • Add sweet potato, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika. Stir and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add black beans (rinsed and drained), diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  • Bring to a light boil. Then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes (or until sweet potatoes are cooked through), stirring occasionally.
  • Salt to taste and add any desired toppings. (I highly recommend avocado!)

Notes

Make it spicy: This is fairly mild as written (if using a mild chili powder) so add more chili powder or cayenne pepper if you like it spicier. Or add a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
Bean variation: Use one can pinto beans + one can black beans (instead of two black beans).
Red bell pepper: This is also a great addition. Simply dice and add it with the onion to sauté.
Recipe originally published October 2015. Updated October 2023.

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Calories: 235 kcal | Carbohydrates: 46 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0.2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2 g | Potassium: 932 mg | Fiber: 15 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 7451 IU | Vitamin C: 16 mg | Calcium: 123 mg | Iron: 5 mg