Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, fuss-free dinner that’s as nourishing as it is full of flavor, then this Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is about to become your new weeknight hero! Packed with tender sweet potatoes, smoky spices, and plenty of protein-rich beans, this chili is the ultimate comfort food—with minimal effort required.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is all about wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for big flavor and that gorgeous, golden color. Each item adds a special something—whether it’s sweetness, texture, spice, or heartiness—to make every spoonful shine.

• Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the spice and adds a buttery texture that melts right in.
• Yellow Onion: Brings an aromatic base and a subtle sweetness as it slowly cooks.
• Poblano Pepper: Offers mild heat and an earthy, smoky flavor—don’t skip it if you can!
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite with bold, savory notes.
• Black Beans: They’re not only hearty and filling, but also pack tons of plant-based protein.
• Kidney Beans: Deep red, creamy, and another great source of texture and substance.
• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add tang, a kiss of smokiness, and just the right amount of zip.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds richness and brings everything together—feel free to sub in beef or bone broth if you aren’t keeping it vegetarian.
• Tomato Paste: For a thick, luscious consistency and an extra punch of umami.
• Chili Powder: The spice backbone; don’t be shy if you love a bolder kick.
• Ground Cumin: Adds depth and a warm, earthy note that’s classic in any chili.
• Smoked Paprika: This is what gives the chili that signature subtle smokiness that keeps friends guessing.
• Dried Oregano: A sprinkle brings a hint of herbaceous brightness amid all those deep flavors.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing and boosting all the incredible flavors in the pot.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want extra heat, extra veggies, or a meaty twist, this is the kind of recipe that welcomes all your personal touches.

• Go Spicy: Add a minced jalapeño or chipotle pepper in adobo for more fiery, smoky heat.
• Make It Meaty: Brown some ground turkey, chicken, or beef and stir it in before cooking for an even heartier chili.
• Mix Up the Beans: Swap out kidney or black beans for pintos, cannellini, or even garbanzos for a fun flavor twist.
• Extra Veggie Power: Toss in corn, bell peppers, or zucchini to up the color and nutrition even more.
• Cheesy Finish: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar (or vegan cheese) toward the end for creamy richness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker and Ingredients

Give your 6- to 8-quart slow cooker a quick mist with nonstick spray—this makes cleanup so much easier. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, chop the onion and poblano, and mince the garlic so you’re set up for success. Gather up your spices and canned items—it’s about to come together fast!

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Add all the main ingredients—sweet potatoes, onion, poblano, garlic, black beans, kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and all the spices—straight into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir to make sure those spices are evenly distributed and the chili is well mixed.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for about 8 hours (perfect for a workday) or on HIGH for 4 hours (for those spontaneous chili cravings!). You’ll know it’s ready when the sweet potatoes are utterly fork-tender and the whole pot smells irresistible.

Step 4: Serve It Up with Toppings!

Ladle warm bowls of your Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili and let everyone dive into the toppings bar—avocado, Greek yogurt, cheddar, cornbread crumbles, tortilla chips, or whatever your heart desires. Every bowl can be as unique as its eater!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Garnishes

The right toppings transform this chili from comforting to downright crowd-pleasing! Try sliced avocado for cooling creaminess, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for tang, toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, grated cheddar if you’re feeling cheesy, and, my personal favorite, a sprinkle of cornbread croutons or tortilla chips for little pops of delight in every mouthful.

Side Dishes

While this chili stands on its own, it’s absolutely divine with a warm slice of homemade cornbread, classic rice, or even a pile of crunchy cabbage slaw on the side. You could pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for an even more colorful meal—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili in individual bread bowls for extra wow-factor, or set up a “chili bar” for gatherings and let guests build their own with toppings galore. It’s also fantastic spooned over baked sweet potatoes or scooped into mini bell peppers for a party-friendly snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your chili cools to room temperature, tuck it into airtight containers and stash in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days—and honestly, it might taste even better by day two or three!

Freezing

Need to squirrel some away for a busy week? Let your chili cool completely, then freeze it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. I recommend dividing it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, until hot. Or, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili—the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want in your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or gathering friends around the table, each bowl is guaranteed to bring big smiles and warm hearts. Enjoy every spoonful!

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