This Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili is a one pot meal that packs all the spice of hearty meat chili, but is perfect for meatless nights!

I recently picked up a couple cans of black beans, some sweet potatoes and fresh cilantro (among many other fruits and vegetables) and decided to make myself a pot of Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili. This vegetarian option is still as flavorful as a hearty beef chili, but uses a few simple ingredients to create a delicious one pot meal. This good-for-you chili is a lighter take on the meatier version that warms our bellies during the Winter.


- - 1 can of black beans, rinsed
- - 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- - 2 garlic cloves, minced
- - 1 green pepper, cut into chunks
- - 1 jar tomato sauce
- - Chili seasoning packet or homemade chili seasoning (see notes)
- In a saucepan, add black beans, sweet potatoes, garlic cloves and pepper.
- Pour tomato sauce into pan, stir and cook on low.
- Add chili seasoning, mix and allow chili to simmer for a couple of hours or until sweet potatoes have softened.
- Serve with chopped scallions, sour cream, hot sauce and all of your favorite chili toppings!
- - 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- - 1/2 tsp. dried cilantro
- - 1 tbsp. cayenne chili pepper, or less depending on how spicy you like your chili
- - 1 tbsp. ground cumin

I ended up making this chili again the week after I initially made it (and after devouring it over the course of a week for lunch). The next time I made it, I added a green bell pepper for some extra crunch. It’s awesome on its own with a little fresh cilantro and sour cream on top. Add shredded cheddar and hot sauce, if you desire. If you really want to make this chili a big, bad meal, wrap it up in soft tortillas and add shredded lettuce for some awesome chili soft tacos!
If your significant other happens to be a total carnivore like mine, add ground beef or turkey to bulk up this dish. This chili is so flavorful on its own that I think it definitely makes a tasty vegetarian option for meatless nights. It’s packed with healthy ingredients, the mild sweetness of sweet potatoes, protein packed black beans and, of course, a little spice just as you’d expect from homemade chili!
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