This sweet potato and black bean chili is a hearty vegetarian chili perfect for a simple slow cooker dinner for the family!
There’s something about black beans that makes Ted run for carryout. I’m not sure what it is, but the man can spot a black bean in any salsa, taco, soup, or chili. It’s funny because Joey is the same way. They’ll both sit at the table meticulously picking out the black beans if Mom tries to sneak them in a meal. But did that stop me from making this sweet potato and black bean chili? You guessed it. Not a chance!
I first made this chili when I was grad school and participated in a “chili cook-off” with friends. We had a few people that followed a vegetarian diet in our group and I figured why not try making a tasty option that pleased them. I didn’t win first place [that was the 3 meat chili], but I came in close second.
Telling Ted and Joey this story about my award-winning chili when I presented them a dish at the dinner table didn’t exactly have them asking for seconds, but they DID each try some. And I’ll have you know that Ted finished everything in the bowl except for a few black beans. Joey? Well, he’s not the biggest fan of soup just yet so I took out the components and served his with a grilled cheese— which Ted happily ate the second half of.
Because this soup makes a lot and Anthony and I clearly had a lot of leftovers to enjoy [that boy will gobble any bean in sight], I froze half a batch in individual containers for my weekday lunches. I also browned some ground beef later in the week and added that some leftovers. Clearly it doesn’t make the soup vegetarian anymore, but it sure made two guys pretty happy. Can you guess who that was?!
Bring out your slow cooker for this simple sweet potato and black bean chili #vegetarian #recipe Share on X
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 15- ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1- 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1- 14 ounce can tomato sauce
- 32 ounces vegetable broth
- For serving: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup plain Greek Yogurt
- Add ingredients to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Serve immediately and top with a tablespoon of cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt per serving.
I am always looking for good vegetarian alternatives. This recipe looks like a winner!
Yum! This looks great! I’ve been baking sweet potatoes every week and just eating them as is, but I have been wanting a new way to eat them. Thanks!
That looks really good. I love sweet potatoes this time of year. They’re so hearty and filling.
Oh this looks so yummy! Pinning this for Meatless Monday!
YUM! This looks amazing!! What a great recipe! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! I LOVE soup!! SO good! Perfect for this time of year!
I never thought of putting sweet potato into chili, but you make it sound delicious! I am going to have to try this!
My husband and I both love sweet potatoes so I will have to make this. It sounds so yummy!
Yum!!!!!! I love Chili and sweet potatoes so whoot whoot!!! This is also definitely 21 Day Fix worthy 🙂 I can’t wait to make this!
I am not a huge bean fan, but you make them look sooo good!! Might have to try this one out for the hubby. I Love soup season!!
Omgosh, you’ve found the way to my heart! I don’t like traditional chili and have really only liked one kind, that I invented one night–a sweet, chickpea chili. But I’ve thought about the idea of sweet potato before and this is perfect! And I have just the event to make it for :).
I love anything sweet potato, so I am definitely loving the looks of this one!
Oh wow – this looks great! I never would have thought to put sweet potatoes in chili!
I have never thought to add sweet potatoes to my chili, looks so yummy! Will definitely try this one for sure. Thanks for sharing!
This looks amazing! I make a sweet potato chili but it’s definitely a bit different! I will definitely try yours! I’m always looking to switch up what I make!
My newest obsession is my slow cooker. I often times will use it just because it’s so easy, not because we are super busy that day. I love being able to throw a handful of ingredients in and going. Thanks for the new recipe suggestion.
I adore a good vegetarian chilli. I am used to buying it, but the stuff I’ve found in my new city is no good. I am yearning for a good recipe and cannot wait to try this.
Does this work well in the slow cooker? I can’t wait to make this tonight!
Yes!! Please let me know how you like it!