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This Sweet Potato Chili is warm, hearty, and packed with flavor! The sweet potatoes add a delightful twist to the classic chili, making it both sweet and savory.

It’s perfect for chilly nights, and leftovers taste even better the next day. I love topping mine with some avocado or cheese—yum! 🌶️🥑

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Sweet Potatoes: These add a sweet, creamy flavor to your chili. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can substitute with butternut squash or regular potatoes, but it won’t be as sweet!

Ground Beef or Turkey: This is optional, making the chili vegetarian-friendly. You can use plant-based meat or just skip it altogether for a hearty veggie option. Chickpeas would also work well in place of the meat for added protein!

Beans: Black and kidney beans are great for texture and protein. If you prefer something different, try using pinto beans or even lentils for a twist.

Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika create a great flavor base. If you like a bolder taste, feel free to add more spices or even chili flakes for extra heat!

Toppings: I love cheddar cheese and sour cream on mine, but Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch; if you’re not a fan, just skip it!

How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor in Your Chili?

Building flavor is key when making chili! Start by sautéing your onions and garlic in olive oil. This step not only develops a good base flavor, but it also helps sweeten the onions. Take your time with this!

• Heat the oil in the pot before adding the onions.
• Cook them until they’re translucent, then add garlic and sauté just until fragrant.
• If using meat, ensure it’s browned nicely, which adds a rich depth to the chili.

Lastly, don’t rush the simmering process! Letting your chili simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Adjust seasoning and spice levels as needed before serving for the best taste.

Sweet Potato Chili

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (optional for a vegetarian version)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
• 1 avocado, diced (for topping)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Sweet Potato Chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total time of about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and even better as leftovers!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Base:

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. This step adds a nice flavor foundation to your chili!

2. Add Garlic and Meat:

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. If you’re using ground beef or turkey, add it to the pot now. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before proceeding!

3. Combine the Main Ingredients:

Now it’s time to add flavor and substance! Mix in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

4. Season the Chili:

Season your mixture with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like heat), and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the spices, enhancing the flavors of the chili.

5. Simmer to Perfection:

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to become tender and the chili to thicken up nicely. Don’t forget to check occasionally and stir!

6. Taste and Adjust:

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Maybe a little more salt, or a pinch of pepper to kick it up a notch?

7. Serve with Toppings:

Dish out your chili hot in bowls and finish it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, and a garnish of chopped green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy your flavorful, comforting Sweet Potato Chili! It’s sure to warm your heart and soul! 🌶️🥑

Can I Use Different Beans in This Chili?

Absolutely! You can substitute the black and kidney beans for any beans you have on hand, such as pinto beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas for a twist. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the pot!

Can I Make This Chili Vegan?