This Sweet Potato Chili is the perfect crockpot meal! It is so simple to make and extremely flavorful, but not too spicy (which is great because even the kids will like it). It’s quick to get everything prepped and into the crockpot.
I had a busy day of gardening planned the day I made this and it was perfect coming back into the house with dinner almost ready. All I had to do was prep the toppings, make the cornbread, a quick salad, and dinner was on the table.
This is another very versatile recipe. I made this batch vegetarian, but you could easily add some ground turkey or hamburger to it. Honestly though, it is so filling with the sweet potatoes and beans that you don’t need and won’t miss the meat. I tend to host largish groups a couple of times a year (such as Halloween) and chili is the perfect meal to serve. It’s make ahead and delicious. I always make a crock pot with this Sweet Potato Chili and another with Chili w/meat. Both are equally loved!
Within a few minutes you have your sweet potatoes and onions chopped, the spices measured, and the beans and tomatoes ready for the crockpot. Dump all ingredients into the crock pot, mix it all together, and set it and forget it. The recipes says 10 hours on low, I did 8 hours on high.
Right before serving, prep your toppings. Make some cornbread and a salad.
See the lime in the above picture? I always squeeze a little fresh lime juice when I cut up an avocado to prevent it from turning brown.
Scoop up a big bowl, top it, and enjoy!!
Listen up, if you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, you need to head on over and grab this Fall Fiesta Sweet Potato Soup recipe from The Fed Up Foodie!!
Pin this recipe so you can easily find it for your next chili party! 
- 1- 28oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1- 14oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 TBSP chili powder
- 1 TBSP ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 TBSP brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large sweet potatoes** (peeled and cut into 1" cubes) **I use the light colored sweet potatoes
- 1 medium onion (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (crushed)
- 1- 15oz can kidney beans (drained & lightly rinsed)
- 1- 15oz can black beans (drained & lightly rinsed)
- Optional: add 1 lb. browned ground beef or ground turkey
- Toppings: seeded & topped fresh tomatoes, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, grated cheddar cheese, Fritos corn chips, cubed avocado, sour cream.
- Place all "chili" ingredients (canned tomatoes –>canned beans) into slow cooker.
- Add cooked ground meat if desired.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cook on low for 10 hours (approx. 8 hours on high). *It takes quite a while for the sweet potatoes to fully cook and become soft.
- Serve with toppings!
- Enjoy!!
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I love the ease of making crock pot chili! And your sweet potato version looks terrific!
This recipe sounds great, but, unfortunately, I can’t eat tomatoes. Is there anything I could use as a substitute for the tomatoes?
I think in this recipe the tomatoes are definitely part of the flavor profile, so I’m not sure what I’d use as a substitute. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful.
I would use enchilada sauce made with dried Chiles. Here’s the recipe I use. The tomato is optional, and not needed. https://pin.it/4oe4hyzhppnocg.
I also added ground beef & Mexican Chorizo to this recipe.
When you say the “sweet potatoes should be tender,” are you saying they need to be cooked before going into the crock pot? I sometimes will zap the sweet potatoes in the microwave before preparing them, but 10 hours in a crock pot should cook them. Or at least, I would think.
Also, any nutritional info on this dish?
I apologize if this was a bit confusing. I make the chili with raw sweet potatoes and cook the chili until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. I’m sorry but I don’t have the nutritional value calculated.
How about if you throw the sweet potatoes in the microwave for a bit to soften them up. Then could you reduce the cooking time in the crock pot to say 4 or 5 hours?
Oh this looks fantastic! Thanks for linking up!
This Chili looks so delicious. I especially love all the fresh, colorful toppings!
I love sweet potatoes and chili! What a great idea to combine them!!
I’m wondering if you mean sweet potatoes (yellow) or yams (orange)? People often use the name sweet potato for both.