Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Slow cooker sweet potato chili recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (about 450 grams) lean ground beef
- 2 medium (about 500 grams) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large (about 150 grams) onion, diced
- 2 cloves (about 6 grams) garlic, minced
- 1 can (about 400 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (about 400 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (about 500 ml) vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons (about 30 grams) chili powder
- 1 tablespoon (about 15 grams) ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon (about 5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (about 2.5 grams) black pepper
Total calories per portion: 488
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the fat.
- Add the browned beef, peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4 hours).
- Check the sweet potatoes for tenderness. If they are not cooked to your liking, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, with your preferred garnishes (not included in calorie count).
Note: Slow cookers can vary in temperature. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chili at the 7 hour (low) or 3.5 hour (high) mark.
This simple and hearty slow cooker sweet potato chili is perfect for a busy day. Just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a tasty and satisfying meal ready by dinner time. Enjoy!
Making a healthier slow cooker sweet potato chili
You can make your slow cooker sweet potato chili healthier by including more fresh vegetables in your ingredient list.
Opt for organic sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and tomatoes; they are rich in nutrients and devoid of harmful pesticides.
For the protein, replace the traditional ground meat with leaner selections like turkey or skip it altogether for a vegetarian option.
Remember to reduce the amount of salt and use spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a healthful flavor boost.
Storing your slow cooker sweet potato chili
When it comes to stashing away your cooked chili, ensure you store it correctly to retain its delightful taste.
Once it has cooled, place your slow cooker sweet potato chili in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you want to keep it beyond this time, consider freezing it. Your chili can last up to 4 months in the freezer without losing its flavor.
Serving suggestions for slow cooker sweet potato chili
This wholesome dish is a meal in itself, but you can pair it with different sides to enhance your dining experience.
A side of cornbread or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread fits beautifully with this chili. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
For drinks, consider a glass of tangy citric drink like lemonade or orange juice to balance out the spices in the chili. If you fancy a glass of vinegar, look for a full-bodied red like Merlot or Zinfandel.