Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Smart Collection

I absolutely love making this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili. It's the perfect comfort dish for any occasion, and the best part is that it practically cooks itself! When I come home after a long day, the rich aroma of spices and sweet potatoes welcomes me. This chili is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome meal for the whole family. Whether it's a chilly night or you simply want to indulge in a healthy treat, this recipe is my go-to for quick and satisfying nourishment.

Created by

Zinnia Fairweather

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:21:34.208Z

One of the things I love most about this chili is the combination of sweet potatoes with hearty beans and spices. I remember my first batch—I thought I had to simmer it on the stove for hours, but my crockpot changed everything. The slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. The trick is to add the sweet potatoes towards the end, so they keep some of their texture and don't turn mushy.

After trying various recipes, I landed on this one that balances sweetness and heat perfectly. The addition of smoked paprika gives it a warm, smoky flavor that makes every bite a delight. I also love topping it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish. It never fails to impress my friends and family!

        Why You'll Love This Chili
        Rich, hearty flavors that warm you from the inside out
Packed with nutritious ingredients that nourish your body
Perfect for meal prep and easy to customize with your favorite toppings

      

The Power of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic base for this chili, as they provide a natural sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. They also add a creamy texture when cooked, contributing to the heartiness of the dish. Make sure to dice them into uniform pieces, about half an inch thick, to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a different flavor, you could substitute them for butternut squash or even pumpkin, although you'll lose some of the distinct sweetness.

In addition to their flavor, sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. This means that not only is this chili satisfying, but it also supports your overall health. If you find yourself with leftover sweet potatoes, they can be roasted and added to salads or blended into smoothies for added nutrition.

Perfecting Your Chili Texture

The key to achieving an ideal chili texture is to layer your ingredients wisely. By adding the beans and vegetables at the beginning, they meld together over the four hours of cooking, allowing the flavors to develop fully. If you prefer a thicker chili, consider adding a cornstarch slurry during the last half hour of cooking, which will help absorb any excess liquid. Simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the pot while it's still warm.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, don't hesitate to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mix. Just remember that you can always add more spice, but it's tough to take it away once it’s in. The ideal chili should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still have enough broth to avoid being too dry.

Ingredients

Gather these wholesome ingredients for a delicious experience!

Chili Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match these ingredients based on your preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chili masterpiece!

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

Add the Seasoning

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Transfer to Crockpot

Pour the vegetable broth over the mixture and transfer everything to your crockpot.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, give the chili a good stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Enjoy your healthy and delicious crockpot soup!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lime juice right before serving. You can also top it with avocado or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili is ideal for meal prep. Once fully cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers; this helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

To reheat, simply place the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If frozen, allow it to defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, just add a splash of vegetable broth to ensure it doesn’t get too thick while heating.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your chili with a drizzle of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing kick. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or even avocado slices on top for creaminess. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad, offering a nice contrast to the hearty chili.

Feel free to customize this recipe further based on your preferences. Adding quinoa or rice can stretch the servings, while swapping in different beans, like pinto or navy beans, can change the flavor profile. You could also add more vegetables such as zucchini or carrots to incorporate additional nutrition while keeping the chili vibrant.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, frozen sweet potatoes work well too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Is this chili spicy?

The spice level is mild, but you can add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ Can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.