Are you ready for a warm and hearty meal? This Savory Slow Cooker Beef Sweet Potato Chili recipe combines rich ground beef with sweet potatoes, beans, and spices to create a dish you’ll crave. Perfect for busy days, this chili is easy to prepare and cooks while you go about your day. Let me show you how to make this delicious dish that warms both the soul and the stomach!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
In this chili recipe, I use ground beef or turkey as the main protein. Sweet potatoes add a sweet touch and keep the dish healthy. Canned tomatoes bring moisture and flavor. Both kidney beans and black beans add texture and protein. Chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper enhance the overall taste.
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For spices, I use chili powder for heat and flavor. Ground cumin adds warmth, while smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. I recommend tasting as you go, adjusting the spices to your liking.
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
Toppings make this chili extra special. Shredded cheese adds creaminess. Diced avocado brings freshness. Cilantro adds a burst of flavor, and sour cream offers a cool contrast. These toppings let you customize each bowl to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Browning the ground meat: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once it is brown and cooked through, drain any excess fat.
2. Preparing vegetables and beans: While the meat cooks, take a large cutting board. Peel and dice 1 large sweet potato. Chop 1 medium onion and 1 bell pepper. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Open the cans of kidney beans and black beans. Drain and rinse them well.
Slow Cooking Process
1. Combining ingredients in the slow cooker: In your slow cooker, combine the diced sweet potato, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, black beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper.
2. Setting cooking time and temperature: Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked ground meat to the slow cooker. Mix everything together until well combined. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and stir again. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Final Touches
1. Adjusting seasoning: After cooking, taste the chili. If it needs more flavor, add more salt or spices. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach the right consistency.
2. Serving suggestions: Serve your chili in bowls. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a filling meal!
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
To make your beef sweet potato chili burst with flavor, follow these tips:
- Seasoning: Start with salt and pepper. Add chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. These spices bring warmth and depth.
- Cooking Tips: Brown the ground beef well before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks.
You can also add some chopped jalapeños for a kick. If you like smoky flavors, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chili with simple sides to create a complete meal:
- Sides: Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips. Both add a nice crunch.
- Presentation Tips: Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. This adds color and makes it look tasty.
Make sure your bowls are warm. It keeps the chili hot longer. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground beef alternatives
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey. This makes the chili leaner. You might also try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Each choice gives a different flavor and texture.
Bean choices
Feel free to use other beans! Black beans and kidney beans are great, but you can also use pinto beans or chickpeas. Each bean brings its own taste, making your chili unique.
Spice Level Adjustments
How to make it spicier or milder
To add heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use cayenne pepper to boost spiciness. If you want a milder chili, skip the hot sauce and reduce the chili powder.
Flavor variations
You can change the flavor by adding different spices. Try adding oregano or a hint of cinnamon for warmth. A squeeze of lime at the end brightens the dish. Adding corn can also add sweetness and texture.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your beef sweet potato chili fresh, let it cool first. Use airtight containers for storage. This way, it can last in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label them with the date. This helps you use it within three months for the best taste.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, there are good ways to reheat chili. The stovetop is great for quick reheating. Just put it in a pot over medium heat and stir until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. If you have a lot of chili, consider reheating it in batches. For longer storage, freeze your chili after it cools. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your chili again with fresh toppings!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian. Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use extra beans. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I thicken the chili?
To thicken the chili, you can mash some of the beans or sweet potatoes. Another option is to add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Cook it for a bit longer to allow it to thicken up.
Cooking Times
What if I have less time? Can I cook it on high?
If you are short on time, you can cook the chili on high for about 4 hours. Just remember to check it often. Make sure all the ingredients are cooked through before serving.
Nutritional Information
How many calories per serving?
This chili has about 300 calories per serving. This can vary based on the beef you use and any toppings you add.
Can I reduce sodium content?
Yes, you can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth and canned beans. Rinse the beans well to wash off extra salt.
This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a hearty chili. Ground meat, sweet potatoes, and beans bring rich flavor. You can enhance taste with spices like chili powder and cumin. You have many options for toppings to personalize your dish.
Remember, cooking is flexible. Feel free to adjust spice levels or try new toppings. With proper storage, enjoy leftovers for days. Easy reheating makes enjoying this meal even simpler. Dive in, and make this chili your own unique creation.
