sweet potato chili
This recipe is truly easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser. I began making this recipe a few years ago as a vegetarian option for a nonprofit organization's chili fundraiser and it quickly became a favorite even among the non-vegetarian crowd. I have made this recipe substituting Butternut Squash for Sweet Potato a few times when I didn't have sweet potatoes and it works just as well. Seasoning is always up to the cook, so don't be afraid to experiment and adjust according to you and your family's preference. But ALWAYS include the coco powder. It's a game-changer in chili recipes!
prep time
15 Min
cook time
1 Hr
method
Stove Top
yield
serving(s)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or use plant-based chorizo for vegetarian sp chili)
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- 4-5 cups sweet potato, cubed
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2-3 tsp minced) to your taste
- 28 ounces canned tomato sauce (or two 15 ounce cans) note: you can also use a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 2 cans diced tomatoes with mild chilis (don't drain) rotel brand works great
- 1 quart broth (your choice of chicken or vegetable)
- 4 cans assorted beans, your choice of kidney, black, pinto, cannellini, garbanzo, navy, great northern, drained and rinsed
- 1-1/2 cup sweet corn
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional if you want thicker chili)
- SPICES:
- salt & pepper to taste and layer as you cook
- 1 to 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 teaspoon chili powder (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1 teaspoons cayenne (to taste)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons oregano or italian seasoning
How To Make sweet potato chili
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Step 1In a large pot, brown the ground beef with salt and pepper over medium heat. (If making vegetarian chili, wait to add the vegetarian crumbles at the end). (NOTE: you won’t need to add oil since the ground beef will render fat to the pot for cooking the other ingredients)
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Step 2Add the onions and jalapeno. Stir into the browned beef. NOTE: If making the vegetarian version with plant-based Chorizo, you will start the recipe by browning the onions in 1 TBSP oil until onions are slightly translucent, then add the jalapeno and stir for a minute to soften.
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Step 3Add the sweet potatoes and garlic. Add salt and pepper as needed to layer the flavors, tasting and adding as you cook. Stir for a minute or two, then add the remaining spices.
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Step 4Stir in the wet ingredients (except wine and tomato paste): tomato (or spaghetti) sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and beans.
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Step 5Taste and continue to adjust the salt, pepper and chili/cayenne peppers to suit your taste.
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Step 6Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for until sweet potatoes are fork tender.
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Step 7VEGETARIAN VERSION: add the plant-based Chorizo when the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Also add the wine at this point if you're including the wine option. At this point, if you prefer a thicker chili, ADD tomato paste by the tablespoon, stirring well before adding more. If you prefer THINNER chili, add water until you achieve the desired thickness of the mixture. Allow chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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Step 8Serve hot with garnishes of your choice. We like sour cream and shredded cheese. NOTE: you can easily freeze this chili in air tight containers once it cools completely.
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Step 9NOTE: I omitted indicating the yield number information because the choice I needed wasn't an option. However, this recipe makes about 4 quarts. When I make for a larger crowd or fundraiser I can get about 6 quarts by adding another jar of spaghetti or tomato sauce and an extra can of beans. Just be sure your pot is large enough. And avoid cooking in an aluminum pot. Use stainless steel, a Dutch Oven, cast iron, or even a crockpot. This chili does great in a crockpot but you have to brown the meat separately, but the vegetarian version can all go into the crockpot.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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