Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

WRITTEN BY Olivia Bennett

August 26, 2026 | Reading Time: 4 minutes

Bowl of Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili garnished with herbs
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Bowl of Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili garnished with herbs

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

Are you ready to indulge your senses with a warm and hearty bowl of Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili? This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich, comforting flavors of black beans and an array of spices. As it simmers in your slow cooker, the aroma will fill your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Perfect for meal prep, it’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. You may also find Sweet Potato Turkey Chili useful.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, and Servings

For this delightful Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili, you’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, followed by 6-8 hours of cooking time, resulting in a total time of approximately 6-8 hours and 15 minutes. This recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for families or for enjoying leftovers during the week. You may also find Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes Crispy Outside Tender Inside useful.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and shredded cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Begin by prepping your ingredients. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
  2. In your slow cooker, combine the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, corn, onion, and garlic.
  3. Next, add the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The chili should be thick and hearty when it’s done cooking.
  5. Once cooked, give the chili a good stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  6. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the spices.
  3. Make It a Meal: Serve your chili over rice or quinoa, and consider pairing it with a side salad like a roasted sweet potato and kale salad for a well-rounded meal.
  4. Give It Time to Develop Flavor: If you have the time, let the chili sit on warm for an extra hour after cooking to let the flavors meld even more.
  5. Experiment with Variations: For added depth, try incorporating ingredients such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even a can of green chilies for a different twist.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider swapping the corn for extra bell peppers. For a protein boost, you might add cooked ground turkey or beef, although that will change the vegetarian nature of the dish. Additionally, if you want to explore different flavors, try adding a splash of lime juice before serving or incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. You may also find Roasted Chicken Rice Bowls Sweet Potatoes useful.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftover chili, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, it’s best to do so on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh black beans instead of canned?

Yes, if you prefer to use dried black beans, soak them overnight and cook them separately until tender before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. How spicy is this chili?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika. Feel free to adjust these or add more spices to suit your taste.

3. Is this chili gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

4. Can I make this in a different type of cooker?

Yes, this chili can be adapted for instant pots or stovetops. Cooking times and methods will vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

5. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can still make this chili on the stovetop in a large pot. Just let it simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes until everything is tender.

Nutrition Estimate

Per serving, this Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 4g of fat. It is a nourishing meal option that offers a rich mix of vitamins and minerals from the variety of ingredients.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is a fulfilling meal that suits various diets and is packed with wholesome ingredients. For other delicious sweet potato recipes, check out this quinoa chili recipe or try the slow-cooked version of this dish at Dishing Out Health. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Bowl of Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili garnished with herbs

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

A warm and hearty chili combining the sweetness of sweet potatoes and black beans, perfect for meal prep and packed with nutrients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Vegetarian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • avocado optional
  • cilantro optional
  • lime wedges optional
  • shredded cheese optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Begin by prepping your ingredients. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.

Cooking

  • In your slow cooker, combine the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, corn, onion, and garlic.
  • Next, add the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The chili should be thick and hearty when it's done cooking.
  • Once cooked, give the chili a good stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot with your choice of toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded cheese.

Notes

Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Adjust spice levels to your preference. This recipe is versatile, allowing for different vegetables and proteins to be added.
Keyword Black Bean Chili, Crock Pot Chili, Easy Chili Recipe, Healthy Chili, Sweet Potato Chili

Olivia Bennett

The soul behind Yummy Recipes Blog. What began in my New york kitchen as a way to make family meals easier turned into a path toward feel-good, balanced cooking. Once I learned how food shaped my energy and digestion, I started creating simple, nourishing recipes for real life — no fuss, just food that works! Let’s dig deeper  →

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