This Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is a fantastic healthy crock pot dinner, offering a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Sweet Potatoes: Use firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. Regular potatoes are a decent substitute for texture, but you’ll lose the sweet flavor.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans work best; rinse them well. Canned pinto beans or kidney beans can also be used.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, undrained, add a nice acidity. Crushed tomatoes also work.
- Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium is always a good choice. Chicken broth is an alternative if you don’t mind a non-vegetarian option.
- Chili Powder & Cumin: Essential for that classic chili flavor. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: These aromatics build a great flavor base. Any color bell pepper is fine.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, diced
- Greek yogurt or sour cream alternative
- Shredded cheddar cheese alternative
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 4-6 hours on high, 6-8 hours on low
- Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Tools needed: Large crock pot or slow cooker, cutting board, sharp knife, measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step really deepens the flavor of your healthy crock pot dinner.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, Rotel, and vegetable broth. Stir everything gently to combine.
3. Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili. Add salt and black pepper to your taste preference.
4. Cook Until Tender
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the chili is thick and bubbly.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, give the chili a final stir. Ladle generous portions into bowls and top with your favorite optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Enjoy your hearty and healthy crock pot dinner!
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
- Smoky Flavor: Include 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke for an extra smoky depth.
- Corn Addition: Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn during the last hour of cooking for added sweetness and texture.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this chili vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as written!
- Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes? While optional, peeling ensures a smoother texture. If you leave the skin on, ensure you wash them thoroughly.
- Can I use dry beans instead of canned? Yes, but you’ll need to cook them separately before adding them to the crock pot, or soak them overnight and increase the cooking time significantly.
- Is this chili spicy? As written, it’s mild. You can adjust the chili powder or add extra heat sources for more spice.
- How do I thicken the chili if it’s too thin? You can remove about a cup of chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes and beans, and return it to the crock pot. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, stir into the chili, and cook for another 15-30 minutes.
- Can I freeze this chili? Absolutely! It freezes beautifully.