Chunky Sweet Potato Chili (Vegetarian Black Bean Chili)

This chunky Sweet Potato Chili is a vegetarian chili recipe full of hearty & healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, in a perfectly seasoned vegetable broth base. A warm bowl of black bean chili with sweet potatoes is just what you need to warm you up. 

For more sweet potato recipes be sure and try my Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas, Maple Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Rolls, and Meringue Topped Sweet Potato Casserole.

Chunky Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

There may be no meat in this chili recipe, but trust me when I say, that you won’t even miss it! This chunky sweet potato and black bean chili is a veggie chili that is so hearty, filling, and healthy with good-for-you ingredients.

This vegetable chunky chili cooks on the stove top with canned tomatoes, beans, chunks of red and green bell peppers, and natural sweetness from the sweet onion and fresh sweet potatoes.

Make sure to use vegetable broth or stock to make this a completely vegan chili recipe.

Fresh Healthy Ingredients Needed

1. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
2. Sweet Potatoes : 2 large sweet potatoes is needed for the chili recipe; which is about 1 to 1.5 pounds of sweet potatoes. Peel the rough skin off using a vegetable peeler. 
3. Sweet Onion
4. Green Bell Pepper : You can dice the bell peppers as small, or as big, as you prefer. This is a chunkier chili recipe so you can easily cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. 
5. Red Bell Pepper
6. Garlic Cloves : Use fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or pressed, use chopped garlic from a jar, or use garlic paste. 
7. Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth : You can use full-salt broth or reduced-sodium broth, depending on sodium preference and/or dietary needs. 
8. Black Beans : Drained and rinsed. 
9. Red Kidney Beans : Use dark red kidney beans or light red kidney beans. 
10. Petite Diced Tomatoes
11. Fresh Lime Juice : One lime that has been juiced. 
12. Tomato Paste
13. Chili Powder
14. Ground Cumin
15. Kosher Salt
16. Ground Black Pepper
17. Cayenne Pepper : This is completely optional, I never add it, but you should add it if you want some spice in the chili. 

How To Make Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili (Printable Recipe Card)

In a large dutch oven pot, or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced sweet potatoes, diced sweet onion, and chopped green and red bell peppers. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, while stirring occasionally. 

Stir in the garlic cloves and sauté for an additional 1 minute. 

Add in the remaining ingredients; vegetable or chicken broth, black beans, red kidney beans, petite diced tomatoes, fresh lime juice, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together and let it heat to boiling. 

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low (or low if needed), cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir the chili occasionally and check on it to make sure the potatoes and vegetables are softened to your preference. 

Serve the chili warm from the pot and garnish each bowl with sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, green onions, etc.

What Are Some Substitutions I Can Make? 

• Sweet Onion : You can use a white onion, yellow onion, or a red onion if you prefer. I love the touch of sweetness of the sweet onion because it pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. 
• Bell Peppers : Feel free to use two green bell peppers, two red bell peppers, or switch it up and use a different color such as yellow bell pepper or an orange bell pepper instead. 
• Red Kidney Beans : Cannellini beans, pinto beans, or white navy beans are other great options if wanted. I personally love the combination of black beans + light red kidney beans, so that is what I use all the time. 
• Petite Diced Tomatoes : Regular canned diced tomatoes can be used, or if you want a spicy chili try using Rotel or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. 
• Broth : For a vegan chili make sure you are using vegetable broth. However, any broth or stock can be used such as chicken broth or chicken stock, or even beef broth or beef stock. Bone broth is another great option if wanted. I prefer using full-salted, regular broth but you can definitely use reduced-sodium if wanted. 

Can I Add Meat To Sweet Potato Chili?

Yes, you can definitely add more protein with a meat to the chili. Try adding a pound of ground chicken, lean ground beef, or ground turkey for a lean protein option. If adding meat, I suggest cooking it in a separate large skillet pan, draining the excess grease from the meat, and then adding the cooked & crumbled meat into the soup pot along with the beans and seasonings. 

Can I Make Spicy Sweet Potato Chili?

Yes, of course! Here are some easy ways to make the chili spicy. Make sure you are adding the red cayenne pepper. Other options (for even more spice) include adding a can of chopped jalapeños, a can of diced green chilies, red pepper flakes, using Rotel canned tomatoes, and/or garnishing the chili with sliced jalapeños for serving. You could also add a dash of hot sauce into the chili or on top of each serving. 

Serving Suggestions

My whole family loves this chili with a dollop of sour cream and eaten with corn chips or tortilla chips. You could also top it with tortilla strips as well.

Other garnish options include finely diced red onion, sliced green onions, sliced fresh jalapeños for some spice, chopped fresh cilantro, and plain greek yogurt for a healthier sour cream alternative. Just choose your favorite toppings – you really can’t go wrong!

More Must-Try Chili Recipes

• Taco Chili Recipe
• Baked Bean Chili
• Easy Quick Chili
• Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
• Creamy White Chicken Chili
• Classic Chili
• Ground Beef Queso Chili