Craving a hearty meal that warms your soul? This Savory Slow Cooker Beef Sweet Potato Chili recipe is just what you need! Packed with ground beef, sweet potatoes, and black beans, it’s both tasty and simple to make. With a few spices and clever tips, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish. Let’s get cooking and turn your kitchen into a cozy haven!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
You need these main ingredients to make the chili. The ground beef gives it richness. Sweet potatoes add a sweet, creamy texture. Black beans give protein and fiber. Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a nice kick.
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
These spices and seasonings create a bold flavor. Chili powder gives heat and depth. Ground cumin adds warmth. Smoked paprika brings a nice, smoky taste. Cayenne pepper adds more heat if you like it spicy.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
Garnishes make the chili even better. Fresh cilantro adds brightness. Sour cream cools the heat. Shredded cheese adds creaminess. Diced avocado gives a nice texture. You can mix and match these for your perfect bowl!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef
First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef. Cook it until it is brown and no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often to cook evenly. Once it’s done, drain any extra fat. This step helps keep the chili from being greasy. Then, transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Now, let’s add the other ingredients. Start by adding the diced sweet potato. Then, pour in the black beans and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. These veggies give the chili great flavor and texture.
Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the beef broth over everything. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
Cooking the Chili
Cover the slow cooker with a lid. You can choose to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low lets the flavors blend nicely. If you choose high, it will cook faster, but the taste may not be as rich. Check the chili for doneness after the cooking time. The sweet potatoes should be tender when it is ready.
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Flavor
To make your chili shine, focus on seasoning. Start with salt and pepper. Taste the chili before serving. If it needs more, add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper. You can also mix in a bit more cayenne pepper for heat. This lets you control the spice level based on your taste.
Cooking Efficiently
Prep work can save time. Chop your veggies and meat the night before. Store them in the fridge. This makes cooking easier. Using a slow cooker liner helps with cleanup. Just toss the liner after cooking. It saves you from scrubbing the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Chili pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with cornbread or a fresh salad. Both add nice textures. For gatherings, serve about one to one-and-a-half cups per person. This way, everyone gets enough to enjoy.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can make this chili lighter and still tasty. Here are some ideas:
- Lean ground turkey or chicken: Swap the beef for lean turkey or chicken. This change cuts fat but keeps flavor.
- Alternative beans or legumes: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of black beans. They add different textures and nutrients.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options
If you want a meat-free version, you have great options:
- Using plant-based meat substitutes: Try products like Beyond Beef or lentils. They give you the same hearty feel without meat.
- Dropping the beef for a bean-only chili: You can skip the meat completely. Just use more beans. Mix black beans with kidney or pinto beans for extra flavor.
Flavor Profile Swaps
You can easily change the taste of your chili. Here’s how:
- Adding different peppers or vegetables: Try jalapeños for heat or corn for sweetness. Bell peppers can be swapped for green, yellow, or orange ones.
- Incorporating different herbs and spices: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or bay leaves. These can give depth and new flavors to your chili.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After you enjoy your chili, let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. You can store it for up to three months. Remember to leave some space in the container. This helps the chili expand as it freezes.
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat your chili in two ways: the microwave or on the stove. For the microwave, place a bowl in and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heat. On the stove, pour the chili into a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick. This keeps the flavor rich and the texture smooth.
Shelf Life
Leftovers are safe for three days in the fridge. After that, it’s best to toss them out. Look for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If the chili changes color, it’s time to say goodbye. Trust your senses; they are your best guide!
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes in this chili. They save time and add great flavor. However, you should note that frozen sweet potatoes may cook faster than fresh ones. Adjust your cooking time if using them. Keep an eye on the texture. You want them tender, not mushy.
How do I make this chili spicier?
To spice up your chili, add more cayenne pepper. Start with a half teaspoon and taste it. If you want more heat, add more little by little. You can also toss in fresh chili peppers. Jalapeños or serranos work well. Chop them fine and mix them in with the other veggies for a fresh kick.
What can I serve with beef sweet potato chili?
Serve this chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips. They pair great and add crunch. A simple green salad or coleslaw can also balance the meal. For drinks, consider a cold beer or a light red wine. They enhance the bold flavors of the chili.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious beef sweet potato chili. We explored main ingredients like ground beef, sweet potatoes, and black beans. I shared tips for perfect flavor, cooking efficiently, and even variations for health needs.
Remember, making chili can be fun and easy. You can change ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy your chili making journey and happy cooking!
