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    Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili

    30-Minute Meals Allergy Friendly Recipes Budget Cooking Dairy-Free Recipes Gluten Free Main Courses Plant Based Recipes Real Food Slow Cooker Recipes Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes Vegetarian Recipes September 18, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 63 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Made with sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is hearty, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.

    Made with sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa, this Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili is hearty, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.

    Are you craving a cozy dinner that will leave you satisfied without weighing you down? Sweet Potato Chili is an easy healthy dinner recipe that is perfect for any night of the week!

    Bowl of sweet potato black bean chili topped with minced cilantro.


    Why You Will Love Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili

    • Flavorful: From the earthy black beans to the sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the richly spiced tomato sauce, this healthy chili is loaded with flavor.
    • Favorite Vegetarian Recipe: This simple, one-pot sweet potato quinoa chili delivers a flavorful, nutrient-dense meal that appeals to vegetarians and carnivores alike.
    • Minimal Cost: Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is a budget-friendly recipe that uses pantry staples in a way that brings out the best of their flavor.
    • Fast: Unlike most chili recipes, Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili is a 30-minute dinner recipe, yet the flavor is rich and deep. Perfect for any night of the week.
    • Nutrient-Dense: This chili is filled with fiber, vitamin A, and plant protein. Filling you up with all the good things!
    • Allergy-Friendly: This vegan dinner recipe is not only dairy-free and egg-free, it is nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free as well.

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Chili labeled on counter.
    • Sweet Potatoes: Use peeled, cubed, raw sweet potatoes, not frozen or pre-cooked sweet potatoes, as they will turn to mush when cooked.
    • Black Beans: While I love pairing black beans and sweet potatoes together, you can use pinto beans or red beans in this Sweet Potato Chili if desired.
    • Quinoa: Any variety of dry quinoa will work in this chili recipe.
    • Tomatoes: If you or your family has texture issues with diced tomatoes, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the chili. You can also use a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes in place of diced tomatoes.
    • Broth: Use either low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken stock.
    • Spices: This chili is perfectly spiced with a combination of chili spices made with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne.

    Tips for Making Sweet Potato Chili

    ∗ Tips for Making Sweet Potato Chili∗

    This Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa is super simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making this recipe to make the absolute best sweet potato chili.

    • Saute the Onions. Taking a bit of time to saute the onions prior to adding in the other ingredients will help to develop this chili's flavor. The onions will soften and add a nice caramelized, sweet flavor to the chili instead of a sharp, pungent flavor.
    • Rinse the Quinoa. Be sure to rinse the quinoa really well in a fine-mesh strainer under running water. This will remove the quinoa's natural coating and prevent it from giving your chili a bitter taste.
    • Simmer, Don't Boil. Once the ingredients from the chili have come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. You don't want to try to speed up the cooking process by cooking on high heat, as this will just cause the liquid to evaporate before the sweet potatoes and quinoa become tender.

    Serving Suggestions

    Sweet Potato Chili can be served plain or with a side of homemade biscuits, Sweet Potato Biscuits, or cornbread. And just like any recipe for chili, you can't go wrong with adding toppings. My favorite additions are diced avocado and chopped cilantro. If you are not vegan or dairy-free, shredded cheese and/or sour cream are also delicious options.

    Bowl of sweet potato black bean chili topped with minced cilantro.

    Slow Cooker Instructions

    While you can whip up Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili in just one pot in 30 minutes, you can also opt to use the slow cooker to prepare this recipe. This is a great option for when you want to come home to dinner waiting for you.

    • Saute onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil in a small non-stick skillet for 3-5 minutes.
    • Add the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker, along with the remaining ingredients to the crockpot, and mix well to incorporate.
    • Cook for 8 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.

    More Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes

    • Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos
    • Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
    • Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes
    • Sweet Potato Tacos

    Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.

    If you enjoyed this recipe for Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Chili dished up with minced cilantro.

    Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili

    Easy, hearty vegetarian chili recipe made with quinoa, black beans, and sweet potatoes. 
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 339kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
    • 1 large sweet potato peeled and cubed into 1-inch chunks
    • 2 (15-oz) cans black beans rinsed and drained
    • 2 (15-oz) cans diced tomatoes
    • 1½ teaspoons chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 small pinch cayenne pepper
    • 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed and drained
    • minced cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, etc for serving
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add in the diced onion and saute for 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened. Add in the garlic and saute for 30-60 seconds, just to toast.
      Sauteed onion in large dutch oven.
    • Add the broth, cubed sweet potato, black beans, tomatoes, and seasonings into the pan.
      Sweet Potatoes, broth, and black beans in dutch oven pan.
    • While the onion is sauteing, place the quinoa into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it well under running water. Add to the chili and stir to combine.
      Quinoa in mesh strainer with water running over it.
    • Turn the heat to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
      Sweet potato Black bean chili after simmering.
    • Serve with minced cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or cheese as desired.
      Bowl of sweet potato black bean chili topped with minced cilantro.

    Notes

    Storage: This Sweet Potato Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, add in a splash of water or stock and heat gently over medium heat on the stove or in 1-minute intervals in the microwave.
    Quinoa: Be sure to rinse the quinoa to rid it of its bitter taste. You may also omit the quinoa--it adds bulk and protein, but this chili is delicious without it.
    Slow Cooker Instructions: Saute onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil in a small non-stick skillet for 3-5 minutes. Add onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker, along with the remaining ingredients to the crockpot, and mix well to incorporate. Cook for 8 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.
    Chili Seasoning: In place of the seasonings use 1 & ½ tablespoons of homemade chili seasoning. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 973mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4435IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 6mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    « Homemade Pumpkin Puree
    Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Martha

      January 30, 2022 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      Really good on a snowy day!
      I used your recipe to make dry black beans in the instant pot, which gave .me an hour to go shovel. I also made your DIY Chili seasoning before I went out.
      When u came back, it was pretty easy to put this chili together... the only hard part was WAITING! But it wax Wirth the wait!
      My hubby and I both give it 5 stars!
      Will be making this again!

      THANK YOU KRISTEN! 😊

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 30, 2022 at 5:52 pm

        I am so happy you enjoyed Martha! Stay warm!

        Reply
    2. Danni

      July 31, 2021 at 4:36 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful lighter chili and very simple to make which makes it even better.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 31, 2021 at 7:27 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe Danni! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Marsha Godfrey

      October 25, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      tried this today. I followed recipe exactly except for the tomatoes. I did not have diced tomatoes, and I used crushed tomatoes. The chili is so bitter it is barely edible! What's your best guess for where I went wrong?
      Is there a standard solution for bitterness in recipes

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 25, 2020 at 5:23 pm

        Hi Marsha. The bitterness most likely would have been from the crushed tomatoes or the brand of chili powder. I would suggest reheating with 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar to see if that helps.

        Reply
    4. rich r.

      August 15, 2020 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      I am an unapologetic meatitarian, my mother is a "vegetarian in training". I found this after finding your chili spice mix and thought: Why not. If nothing else, she'll like it.
      I used the full spice mix instead of the amount listed, and added a bunch of sliced mushrooms, plus Better than Buoillon's Vegetation No Chicken chicken base for the chicken stock. and threw it all into a slow cooker.
      A bit sweet, with a hint of spicy. Excellent isn't high enough to describe this.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 15, 2020 at 6:29 pm

        Coming from a meatitarian, that is a HUGE compliment. So glad you enjoyed Rich!

        Reply
    5. Anne Merrin

      February 17, 2020 at 11:44 am

      How would you adapt for the slow-cooker? Would the sweet potato and quinoa get too mushy?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 17, 2020 at 1:06 pm

        Hi Anne! To prepare in the slow cooker, cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. It should turn out perfectly! Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Brittany Hagopian

      February 11, 2020 at 10:41 am

      Do you cook the quinoa before adding to the chili? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 11, 2020 at 10:52 am

        Hey Brittany! The quinoa will cook in the chili--ENJOY!

        Reply
        • Brittany Hagopian

          February 11, 2020 at 12:06 pm

          Thank you!

          Reply
    7. Amanda

      November 18, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      Hi! I’d like to add meat (perhaps bison or lean beef). When would you recommend adding?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 18, 2019 at 2:57 pm

        Hi Amanda! I would saute with the onions and garlic and then proceed with the recipe. Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Marci Ellsworth

      October 26, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      Could you please suggest instant pot directions? Thank you! This recipe looks wonderful!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 26, 2019 at 1:43 pm

        I have brand new Instant Pot directions for this!!! YAY! Get the recipe for Instant Pot Black Bean Chili here.

        Reply
    9. Amy

      August 27, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      Is there an Instant Pot version of this recipe? It sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 28, 2019 at 6:08 am

        Hi Amy! I need to create an Instant Pot version ASAP! I will say this won't be much faster in the Instant Pot due to pressure coming up and needing to be released naturally. BUT, to make in the Instant Pot. I would turn Instant Pot to saute, add in oil and onions and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes. Turn IP off, add in stock and scrape up browned bits. Add in spices, sweet potatoes, black beans, quinoa, tomatoes and seal shut. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes on high pressure and then let pressure release naturally. Enjoy!

        Reply
    10. Jessica

      October 17, 2018 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first experience with sweet potato chili and I was NOT disappointed. Filling and full of flavor!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 18, 2018 at 6:18 am

        YAY!!! SO glad you enjoyed Jessica--it is one of my favorites!

        Reply
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    Made with sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is hearty, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

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    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Made with sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is hearty, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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