Name: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 4 cups); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey; Juice of 1 lime; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Description

A hearty vegetarian chili made with sweet potatoes, black beans, spices, and tomatoes. Perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 4 cups)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

Juice of 1 lime

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Add Sweet Potatoes & Garlic
Stir in cubed sweet potatoes and cook 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and stir for another minute.

Season the Vegetables
Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toast for 1 minute.

Build the Chili Base
Add beans, crushed tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Simmer
Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and chili thickens.

Finish & Serve
Stir in maple syrup or honey and lime juice. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

Cut sweet potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.

For spicier chili, add jalapeños or cayenne.

For thicker chili, uncover during last 10 minutes of simmering.

Freezes well up to 3 months; reheat gently with added broth if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering / One-pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1 ½ cups)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Fiber: 11 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: sweet potato chili, black bean chili, vegetarian chili, meatless chili recipe