Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Balanced Planning

I absolutely love this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili because it combines wholesome ingredients with robust flavors. Cooking it in the crockpot allows all the spices to meld perfectly while I go about my day. When I come back home, the aroma fills the kitchen and creates an inviting atmosphere. This chili not only warms you up but is also packed with nutrients that keep you feeling satisfied. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without compromising on health.

Created by

Francesca Holt

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:09:34.941Z

When I first made this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili, I was surprised at how easy it was to throw everything into the pot and let it work its magic. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness, which beautifully balances the spiciness of chili powder, and using dried beans takes it to another level of flavor.

One of my favorite tips is to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot. This enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor, making the final dish even more satisfying. Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro for extra freshness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nutritious and hearty without being heavy
Rich in flavor with a delightful sweetness
Perfect for meal prep and easy leftovers

Ingredient Insight

Sweet potatoes are the star of this chili, offering a natural sweetness that balances the heat from the spices. They also provide a hefty dose of vitamins A and C, making this dish not only delicious but incredibly nutritious. When dicing sweet potatoes, try to keep the pieces uniform in size, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking. If you're looking for a quicker prep, you can buy pre-diced sweet potatoes at the store, but I personally enjoy the hands-on approach of peeling and cutting them myself.

The combination of black beans and kidney beans gives this chili a rich, textural complexity. Each bean offers different nutritional benefits; black beans are high in fiber and protein, while kidney beans add iron and potassium. If you're short on time, canned beans are a fantastic option, but if you prefer to go the dry route, remember to soak them overnight and cook them thoroughly before adding them to the chili.

Cooking Tips

For an optimal cooking experience, sautéing the onions and garlic first enhances both the aroma and depth of flavor in your chili. Make sure to cook them until they become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. This step is critical; skipping it can result in a less flavorful dish, as raw onions can sometimes overpower the gentle sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

When it comes to seasoning, feel free to adjust the spices as per your tolerance. If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper. Remember, since simmering melds the flavors together, it’s best to taste before serving; a few extra minutes on low heat can bring all the ingredients together beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these nutritious ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure you have everything ready to create this delicious and healthy chili!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chili:

Prepare the Base

In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they're soft and fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your chili.

Combine Ingredients

In your crockpot, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the diced sweet potatoes, both beans, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

Cook in the Crockpot

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You'll know it's ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded well.

Serve It Up

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your healthy and hearty meal!

Remember, chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra!

Pro Tips

For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. It brightens up the dish beautifully!

Storage and Freezing

One of the best things about this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili is its incredible versatility when it comes to storage. You can easily refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days, making it ideal for meal prep. Just reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

If you want to store this chili for longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be safely frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it appears too thick.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience by adding toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. I love adding a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zing that brightens the dish. Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the chili with a fresh flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.

For a fun twist, consider serving the chili over cooked quinoa or brown rice instead of on its own. This adds additional texture and nutrients, creating a more filling meal. Pairing it with crusty whole-grain bread or cheesy cornbread also makes for a hearty dinner option; the bread can soak up the flavorful broth wonderfully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes very well! Portion it out into airtight containers and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or corn, to the mix.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, it is completely vegan and plant-based, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

→ How can I make it spicier?

If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper during cooking.