Have you ever craved a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Something hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. On those days, I always turn to chili. But not just any chili. I’m talking about a version with a wonderful twist that makes it stand out from the rest. It’s time to explore some new Sweet Potato Recipes.
This slow cooker sweet potato chili is a fantastic dish for anyone. It combines savory ground meats, rich spices, and the gentle sweetness of sweet potatoes. It all simmers away in the slow cooker, making your home smell amazing. This recipe is simple enough for a beginner and delicious enough for everyone to enjoy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this one of my favorite sweet potato recipes? It’s the balance of flavors. The sweet potato adds a beautiful, earthy sweetness that pairs so well with the savory spices and rich tomato base. It’s a combination that just works.
Plus, this recipe is so easy to prepare. You just toss most of the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. It’s a true set it and forget it kind of meal. This makes it a great choice for a busy weeknight Sweet Potato Dinner.
This chili is also incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with protein from the ground turkey and beef, fiber from the beans and sweet potatoes, and loads of veggies. It’s a complete meal in one bowl that will keep you full and happy for hours.
The texture is just wonderful. The tender chunks of sweet potato melt in your mouth, while the corn adds a little pop of sweetness. The beans and meat make it a truly substantial dish. It’s got a consistency that’s closer to a stew than a traditional Sweet Potato Soup, making it very hearty.
It’s also very customizable. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, swap out the meats, or even make a vegetarian version. It’s a flexible recipe that you can easily make your own. You will see how versatile Sweet Potato Meals can be.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious chili. The ingredient list looks long, but it’s mostly spices that you probably already have in your pantry. It is one of those simple sweet potato recipes that comes together quickly.
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced stewed tomatoes with chili seasonings
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup diced sweet onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch garlic powder
- 1 pinch onion powder
- ½ pound ground turkey
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 (12 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best sweet potato chili? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s really quite simple. Soon you will have a fantastic Sweet Potato Dinner ready to go.
Step 1: Combine Veggies And Spices In Slow Cooker
First things first, grab your slow cooker. Place the diced sweet potatoes, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce inside. Then add the diced onion, celery, and water. Now it’s time for the spices.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and that little bit of cinnamon. Don’t forget the salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give everything a good stir to combine all those amazing flavors.
Set your slow cooker to high and let it cook for about five hours. You’ll want to give it a stir every now and then. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely wonderful as everything cooks down.
Step 2: Brown The Meats
While the vegetables are simmering away, it’s time to cook the meat. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground turkey and ground beef to the hot pan.
Cook the meat, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s crumbly and evenly browned. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left. Once it’s cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Meats, Beans, And Corn To The Pot
Now it’s time to bring it all together. After the sweet potato mixture has cooked for five hours, add the cooked ground turkey and beef to the slow cooker. This is what makes it one of the heartiest Sweet Potato Meals around.
Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans and the corn. Stir everything together gently. Let the chili continue to cook on high for another one to two hours. This extra time allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
And that’s it! Your delicious sweet potato chili is ready. Ladle it into bowls while it’s nice and warm. This is one of those sweet potato recipes that you’ll want to make again and again.
I love to serve it with toppings like a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh cilantro. Cornbread on the side is also a fantastic choice for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about chili is that the leftovers are often even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together. Storing this chili is super easy.
To store in the refrigerator, let the chili cool down completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days. It’s great for quick lunches or another easy Sweet Potato Dinner.
This chili also freezes beautifully. Once cooled, place it in a freezer safe container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way for making great Sweet Potato Recipes.
- Topping ideas are endless. Try sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground meats. Add an extra can of beans, like kidney or pinto beans, to keep it hearty.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level. If you like it spicier, add a bit more cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños with the onions and celery.
- You can use different ground meats if you prefer. Ground chicken or even ground sausage would work well in this recipe.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon. It might seem like an odd ingredient for chili, but it adds a wonderful warmth that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- If you like a thicker chili, you can leave the lid of the slow cooker slightly ajar for the last hour of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate.
Conclusion
There you have it, a truly wonderful slow cooker sweet potato chili. It’s one of those Sweet Potato Meals that’s comforting, satisfying, and so simple to make. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a little twist.
The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is just so good. I hope this becomes one of your favorite sweet potato recipes too. Give it a try on your next cozy night in. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
FAQ
Can I Make This Recipe On The Stovetop?
Yes, you certainly can. To adapt this for the stovetop, use a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the onion and celery first, then add the other vegetables, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for about an hour or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Cook the meat in a separate pan, drain it, and add it to the pot along with the beans and corn. Let it all simmer together for at least 30 more minutes.
Is This Chili Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free. However, it’s always a good idea to double check the labels on your canned goods, like the stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce, to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
What Can I Serve With This Sweet Potato Chili?
This is a great question. This chili is a wonderful standalone Sweet Potato Dinner, but it’s also great with accompaniments. Classic cornbread is a fantastic choice. You could also serve it with a side of rice, a simple green salad, or some warm tortilla chips for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Corn?
Absolutely. Frozen corn works just as well as canned corn in this recipe. You don’t even need to thaw it first. Just add it directly to the slow cooker along with the beans and cooked meat during the final stage of cooking.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
This slow cooker sweet potato chili is a fantastic dish for anyone. It combines savory ground meats, rich spices, and the gentle sweetness of sweet potatoes. It all simmers away in the slow cooker, making your home smell amazing. This recipe is simple enough for a beginner and delicious enough for everyone to enjoy.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab your slow cooker. Place the diced sweet potatoes, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce inside. Add the diced onion, celery, and water. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine. Set your slow cooker to high and cook for about five hours, stirring occasionally.
- While vegetables simmer, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until crumbly and evenly browned (10-15 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- After the sweet potato mixture has cooked for five hours, add the cooked ground turkey and beef, drained and rinsed black beans, and corn to the slow cooker. Stir gently. Continue to cook on high for another one to two hours, allowing flavors to blend.
- Ladle the chili into bowls while warm. Serve with optional toppings like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh cilantro. Cornbread is a fantastic side.
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Do not fill the pint past the max fill line, as the mixture will expand during freezing and processing.
A full 24-hour freeze is essential for the best, creamiest texture. Rushing this step can result in an icy or soupy consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla protein with frozen berries or adding mint extract for a mint-chip version.
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