Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato Chili: A Comforting and Flavorful Delight

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort and satisfaction, especially when it includes the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes. This Sweet Potato Chili combines tender sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and a medley of spices to create a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a comforting meal, this chili is sure to please. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Chili:

• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• 1 medium white onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80% fat / 20% lean)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sauce from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, plus more as needed
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

Serving Options:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Reserved chopped white onion
• Corn chips or tortilla chips

Directions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Peel and dice 1 pound sweet potato into 3/4-inch pieces (about 3 cups).
   • Dice 1 medium white onion (about 1 1/2 cups); reserve 1/3 cup for serving.
   • Mince 4 garlic cloves.
   • Finely chop 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
   • Drain and rinse 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
   • Add 1 pound ground beef in an even layer and let cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes.
   • Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula, breaking the meat up into smaller pieces. Season with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Cook until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more.
   • Transfer the beef to a plate with a slotted spoon.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining onion and season with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 4 to 6 minutes.
   • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Spices:
   • Add the sweet potato, chipotle pepper, 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sauce from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (depending on the desired spicy heat level), 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well to coat the potato in the spices.
5. Combine and Simmer:
   • Add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes. Pour water into the can to rinse, then pour into the pot. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Bring just up to a boil.
   • Add the beans and ground beef along with any accumulated juices on the plate. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
   • Cover and simmer, reducing the heat as needed, until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare any toppings as needed.
6. Final Adjustments:
   • Taste the chili and season with more adobo sauce or chopped chipotle peppers as needed.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, reserved chopped white onion, and corn chips as desired.

Nutrition Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Servings: 4

Enjoy this hearty Sweet Potato Chili with your favorite toppings and savor the blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful family dinner!

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe in the comments below or tag us on social media with your chili creations. Happy cooking!

Print