Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Featured in: Spicy Entrées

This hearty dish combines tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, and a medley of warm spices for a comforting and satisfying meal. Simmered together in a rich tomato and vegetable broth base, the flavors meld beautifully, creating depth and warmth. Fresh garnishes like cilantro, lime, and avocado enhance the vibrant character, offering a balanced, nourishing option for any day. Simple preparation and wholesome ingredients make this dish a flavorful favorite.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:05:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili, garnished with cilantro, ready to serve. Save
Steaming bowl of Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili, garnished with cilantro, ready to serve. | pepperplume.com

A hearty, vibrant vegetarian chili featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of warming spices—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

The first time I made this chili for friends, everyone loved how warming and flavorful it was. It quickly became a staple at our cozy fall gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (about 500 g)
  • Onion: 1 large, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Black beans: 2 cans (400 g each), drained and rinsed
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g)
  • Vegetable broth: 500 ml
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1½ tsp
  • Chili powder: 1 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Salt: ¾ tsp, or to taste
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, sour cream or vegan alternative: For garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Start sautéing:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add aromatics:
Stir in the garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Incorporate sweet potatoes:
Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spice blend:
Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables.
Simmer:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Cook and meld flavors:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
Final seasoning:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, and sour cream if desired.
A close-up of a flavorful Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili recipe, showcasing the hearty ingredients. Save
A close-up of a flavorful Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili recipe, showcasing the hearty ingredients. | pepperplume.com

Sharing this chili with my family has always been a joy, especially when everyone adds their favorite toppings around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Large heavy-bottomed pot, chef knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Free from common allergens: contains no nuts, dairy, eggs, or gluten. If using sour cream, check for dairy allergens; opt for a vegan alternative if needed. Always verify canned goods for cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 11 g

Homemade Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili simmering in a pot, releasing warming spice aromas. Save
Homemade Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili simmering in a pot, releasing warming spice aromas. | pepperplume.com

Enjoy this chili warm from the pot with your favorite toppings. It makes a delicious meal prep option for busy weeks!

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I add extra heat to this dish?

Yes, increase the jalapeño amount or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost the spiciness to your liking.

→ Are there alternative beans that can be used?

Kidney or pinto beans are excellent substitutes and work well with the spices and vegetables in this dish.

→ What are good side options to serve with this chili?

Cornbread or rice complement the flavors and textures, making a complete and satisfying meal.

→ How can I adjust the seasoning if it's too mild?

Taste after cooking and add more chili powder, cumin, or salt gradually to enhance the flavor depth.

→ Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, it is naturally vegan but if using garnishes like sour cream, opt for plant-based alternatives.

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Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Comforting chili featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of warming spices, ideal for busy weeknights.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Plant-Based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (approximately 1.1 lbs)
02 1 large onion, diced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Legumes

01 2 cans (14 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids

01 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
02 2 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 teaspoons ground cumin
03 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnishes (optional)

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Lime wedges
03 Sliced avocado
04 Sour cream or vegan alternative

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Phase 02

Add Peppers and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, jalapeño, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté an additional 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

Phase 03

Incorporate Sweet Potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine.

Phase 04

Season Vegetables: Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly.

Phase 05

Combine Liquids and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring mixture to a simmer.

Phase 06

Simmer Chili: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld.

Phase 07

Adjust Seasoning: Taste chili and adjust seasoning as needed to preference.

Phase 08

Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and sour cream or vegan alternative as desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Free from nuts, dairy, eggs, and gluten unless sour cream is added, in which case check for dairy allergens or use vegan alternative.
  • Verify canned goods for potential cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 11 g

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