Spicy Black Bean Sweet Potato

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

This vibrant dish features tender sweet potatoes and black beans simmered in a zesty spice blend. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell pepper build a flavorful base, while chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. Slow cooking melds the ingredients, producing a thick, hearty stew ideal for cozy meals. Garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado, it offers layers of texture and flavor. Easily customizable with additional heat or alternative beans, this wholesome dish suits vegetarian and gluten-free preferences.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:35:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili topped with fresh avocado.  Save
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili topped with fresh avocado. | pumpkinhearth.com

A hearty, warming vegetarian chili featuring tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a zesty blend of spices. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

This chili has become a family favorite, ideal for meal prep and quickly warming up chilly nights.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large yellow onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 large red bell pepper diced, 1 large sweet potato (about 400 g) peeled and diced, 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • Legumes: 2 cans (400 g each) black beans drained and rinsed
  • Tomatoes & Liquids: 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat), salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro chopped, avocado slices, lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, sweet potato, and jalapeño. Cook for another 4 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3:
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Step 4:
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
Step 5:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and chili has thickened. Stir occasionally.
Step 6:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7:
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges as desired.
Colorful veggies and hearty beans create a vibrant Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili.  Save
Colorful veggies and hearty beans create a vibrant Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili. | pumpkinhearth.com

Gathering around this chili has created many cozy family nights filled with laughter and warmth.

Notes

Swap black beans for kidney or pinto beans if preferred. Serve with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a heartier meal.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon or spatula, can opener

Allergen Information

Contains no common allergens. Always double-check canned goods and broth labels for hidden allergens or additives.

Comforting Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili garnished with lime and cilantro. Save
Comforting Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili garnished with lime and cilantro. | pumpkinhearth.com

This chili freezes beautifully making it perfect for meal prep and quick warming meals any day.

Recipe Q&A

What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

Butternut squash or carrots work well as substitutes, offering a similar sweetness and texture.

How can I adjust the heat level?

Omit jalapeño and cayenne for milder flavor or add chipotle peppers for smoky heat.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes easily for longer storage.

Can I use other beans instead of black beans?

Kidney or pinto beans can be swapped in without altering the flavor profile significantly.

What sides complement this chili?

Serve with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips to create a more filling meal.

Spicy Black Bean Sweet Potato

Hearty blend of sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
35 min
Time required
50 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Easy

Cuisine origin American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary info Plant-based, No dairy, Free from gluten

What you'll need

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 large red bell pepper, diced
05 1 large sweet potato (about 14 oz), peeled and diced
06 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

Legumes

01 2 cans (14 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

Tomatoes & Liquids

01 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
02 2 tablespoons tomato paste
03 2 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 tablespoon chili powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
06 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Avocado slices
03 Lime wedges

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.

Step 02

Cook Vegetables: Incorporate minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced sweet potato, and jalapeño. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.

Step 04

Combine Liquids and Legumes: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, and vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 05

Simmer Chili: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and the chili thickens. Stir occasionally.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges if desired.

Gear Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains no common allergens; verify canned goods and broth labels for hidden allergens or additives.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 345
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrate: 59 g
  • Proteins: 13 g