Spicy Black Bean Sweet Potato

Featured in: One-Pot Warm Meals

This hearty dish blends the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy richness of black beans, enhanced by a bold blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The vegetables are sautéed to develop layers of flavor before simmering gently to tender perfection. Aromatic garlic and jalapeño add a mild kick, while optional garnishes like fresh cilantro and avocado provide freshness and creaminess. Perfect for nourishing, plant-based meals that balance spice and sweetness harmoniously.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:38:00 GMT
Hearty Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili served in a vibrant bowl.  Save to Pinterest
Hearty Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili served in a vibrant bowl. | frostkettle.com

A hearty flavorful chili that combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the rich earthy taste of black beans and a spicy kick Perfect for cozy nights and packed with plant-based protein

This chili has become a family favorite for chilly evenings and meal prep I love how the spices blend perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced (about 3 cups), 1 large yellow onion diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • Beans: 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans drained and rinsed
  • Liquids: 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt or to taste, ¼ tsp black pepper, Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Garnishes (optional): Fresh cilantro chopped, Sliced avocado, Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add the onion and sauté for 34 minutes until translucent
Step 2:
Add garlic jalapeño and bell pepper Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant
Step 3:
Stir in diced sweet potatoes and cook for 34 minutes stirring occasionally
Step 4:
Add chili powder cumin smoked paprika cinnamon oregano salt black pepper and cayenne (if using) Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices
Step 5:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) black beans and vegetable broth Bring to a boil
Step 6:
Reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 2530 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender Stir occasionally
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Step 8:
Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro avocado slices and lime wedges if desired
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili garnished with cilantro.  Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili garnished with cilantro. | frostkettle.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table where we enjoy the warmth and bold flavors that remind us of home

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Naturally free from common allergens (dairy eggs nuts gluten soy) If using store-bought broth check for gluten or soy if sensitive Always verify canned goods and spices for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 320 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 11 g

Delicious Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili ready for a cozy meal. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili ready for a cozy meal. | frostkettle.com

This spicy black bean and sweet potato chili is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day

Recipe Questions & Answers

What makes this dish spicy?

The heat primarily comes from chili powder, jalapeño, and optional cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted for preferred spice levels.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, flavors deepen when allowed to rest; it's ideal for making ahead and reheating the next day.

What can I add for extra protein?

Stirring in cooked quinoa before serving boosts the protein content without altering flavors.

Are there gluten-free options for broth?

Use certified gluten-free vegetable broth to keep the dish free from gluten.

How can I add smokiness to this dish?

Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder or add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky depth.

What garnishes work best with this dish?

Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges complement the flavors, adding brightness and creaminess.

Spicy Black Bean Sweet Potato

A hearty mix of spicy black beans, sweet potatoes, and bold spices for a cozy meal.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American, Tex-Mex

Makes 4 Serving Size

Dietary Information Plant-Based, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
02 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

Beans

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids

01 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
02 2 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 tablespoons chili powder
03 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
07 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
09 Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnishes

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
02 Sliced avocado (optional)
03 Lime wedges (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Garlic and Peppers: Incorporate minced garlic, jalapeño, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 03

Cook Sweet Potatoes: Stir in diced sweet potatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat evenly.

Step 04

Add Spices: Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to blend spices with vegetables.

Step 05

Combine Liquids and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, and vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 06

Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, occasionally stirring, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve warm, topped with optional fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Free from dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy; verify store-bought broth and canned goods for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 320
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 11 g