Hearty & Nutritious Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili Recipe!

There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of a hearty, flavorful chili simmering away in your slow cooker.

This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili is a delightful twist on the classic chili recipe, packed with vibrant vegetables, warming spices, and a hint of natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes.

It’s a dish that combines comfort and nutrition in one pot, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or cozy family dinners.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring just a few minutes of prep time before your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Say goodbye to standing over a hot stove for hours and hello to a dish that practically makes itself while you’re tackling your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s Packed with Nutritional Goodness

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Paired with protein-packed beans and antioxidant-rich tomatoes, this chili is a powerhouse of wholesome ingredients that will keep you energized and satisfied.

2. Perfect for Any Dietary Lifestyle

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for a wide range of dietary preferences. Plus, it’s easily customizable—you can add meat or other proteins if desired, or adjust the spice level to suit your tastes.

3. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

With just a few minutes of chopping and combining ingredients, you can set your slow cooker and forget about it. The low-and-slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish with very little active time in the kitchen.

4. Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a big batch, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-eat meal for the week. It also freezes exceptionally well for those days when you need something quick and comforting.

5. A Crowd-Pleaser for All Seasons

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, contributing to a potluck, or just seeking a cozy dinner on a chilly night, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s hearty, satisfying, and always a hit with guests.

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients and minimal effort can yield an unforgettable meal. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili

This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes (2 medium): Peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes. Their natural sweetness balances the chili’s spices perfectly.
• Black Beans (1 can, 15 oz): Drained and rinsed. Adds protein and a creamy texture.
• Kidney Beans (1 can, 15 oz): Drained and rinsed. A hearty addition for variety.
• Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): With their juices, to create the chili’s rich base.
• Vegetable Broth (2 cups): Helps meld the flavors together and keeps the chili moist.
• Onion (1 medium): Diced. Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Bell Peppers (2, any color): Chopped. They bring vibrant color and mild sweetness.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Minced for aromatic flavor.

Spices and Seasonings:

• Chili Powder (2 tbsp): The foundation of chili flavor.
• Cumin (1 tsp): Earthy and warm, essential for a classic chili taste.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a subtle smoky note.
• Ground Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): A surprising touch that enhances the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For an extra kick of heat.

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Vegan sour cream or yogurt
• Shredded cheese (dairy or plant-based)

Equipment You’ll Need

Slow Cooker

• A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe. It provides enough room for the ingredients to cook evenly and allows for easy stirring.

Cutting Board and Knife

• A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for chopping the sweet potatoes, onions, and peppers with precision.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors, especially for the spices and liquid ingredients.

Mixing Spoon or Ladle

• A long-handled spoon or ladle is useful for stirring the ingredients and serving the finished chili.

Can Opener

• Essential for opening cans of beans and tomatoes with ease.

With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re all set to prepare a comforting pot of Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili

Making this Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious, hearty meal that practically cooks itself.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker and break down nicely into the chili. Chop the onion and bell peppers, mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the beans.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Once your ingredients are prepped, layer them into the slow cooker. Begin by adding the sweet potatoes, beans, and bell peppers. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth. Finally, toss in the minced garlic and onion.

Step 3: Season the Chili

Now it’s time to season your chili! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and the ingredients are well mixed.

Step 4: Set It and Forget It

Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours or the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the sweet potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Once the chili is cooked, check for the tenderness of the sweet potatoes. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings if needed (more salt, pepper, or chili powder for heat). For a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes with the back of a spoon.

Serve hot with your choice of toppings, such as diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a dollop of vegan sour cream. You can also enjoy it with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker

Although this recipe can easily feed a crowd, be mindful of not overcrowding your slow cooker. If you’re making a double batch, consider using a larger slow cooker or cooking it in batches. Overcrowding can affect the cooking time and texture.

2. Layering Matters

For even cooking, layer the ingredients in the slow cooker starting with the sweet potatoes and beans at the bottom, followed by the vegetables and liquid. This helps the ingredients cook uniformly and prevents the sweet potatoes from becoming too soft or mushy.

3. Customize the Spice Level

If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you like it spicy, feel free to add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

4. Stir During Cooking (Optional)

Although slow cookers do most of the work, it’s helpful to give your chili a quick stir once or twice during cooking, especially if you’re cooking on the high setting. This ensures even distribution of heat and helps avoid burning on the edges.

5. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes

Fresh sweet potatoes yield the best texture in this recipe. Avoid using canned sweet potatoes or pre-cooked ones, as they may not hold up well in the slow cooker and could become too soft or mushy.

6. Make It Ahead

This chili is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later. The flavors only improve as it sits, making it an excellent option for leftovers. To reheat, simply add a little more broth or water to adjust the consistency.

7. Be Patient with Slow Cooking

The longer you let the chili cook, the more the flavors develop. While the chili is ready after 3 hours on high, giving it that extra time on low makes a huge difference in flavor depth.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili comes out perfectly every time, packed with rich flavors and a comforting, satisfying texture. Enjoy!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

How to Store Leftovers

This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili makes fantastic leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop over time. To store:

• Refrigerate: Let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some room in the container for the chili to expand as it freezes.

Reheating Instructions

• On the Stovetop: Pour the chili into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the chili is too thick.
• In the Microwave: Reheat individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely with a paper towel or lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

Meal Prep Ideas

• Batch Cooking: This recipe is ideal for preparing multiple servings ahead of time. Portion out the chili into individual containers for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the chili with rice, cornbread, or a simple salad to round out your meal. Store these sides separately to keep them fresh.
• Freeze in Portions: If you’d like to freeze individual servings, use smaller containers or freezer bags to reheat only what you need. This way, you won’t have to thaw the entire batch.

This chili also works wonderfully as part of a meal prep routine, where you can mix and match it with other prepped dishes for a variety of nutritious and easy meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With its rich, warming flavors and a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory, it’s a dish that brings comfort and nutrition to your table with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping for the week ahead, or just craving something hearty and wholesome, this chili is sure to be a hit. It’s a meal that keeps on giving, whether served as leftovers or frozen for a future date.

We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every bowlful. Don’t forget to share your results and any fun variations you try—we’d love to hear about them!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! To adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, follow these steps:

• Use the Sauté function to cook the onions, garlic, and bell peppers for a few minutes until softened.
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
• Seal the lid, set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before opening the lid. Stir, and your chili is ready!

2. Can I use other vegetables in the chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn. These vegetables will blend nicely with the sweet potatoes and beans, creating additional texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

3. How do I make this chili spicier?

If you like your chili with a bit more heat, try adding more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño pepper. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving to kick up the spice level.

4. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for this recipe to ensure the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes if necessary. Just be sure to drain them well and add them closer to the end of the cooking time, as they’re already soft and may break down too much during the long cooking process.

5. Can I add meat to this chili?

Yes, you can! If you prefer a meat-based chili, consider adding ground turkey, chicken, or beef. Brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker, and adjust the seasonings to ensure the meat flavor complements the chili. For a protein-packed option, try adding cubed chicken or ground sausage.

This recipe is versatile, and with a few small tweaks, you can make it just the way you like it!