Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili
Highlighted under: Light & Clean Cooking
I’m always on the lookout for hearty yet nutritious meals, and this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili fits the bill perfectly. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that warms you right through. The ease of using a slow cooker means I can set it and forget it, and after a few hours, I’m rewarded with a delicious meal that the whole family loves. Each bowl is filled with vibrant colors and textures, and it makes for fantastic leftovers too!
Creating this chili was a joyful experience for me. I wanted something that bursts with flavor and is also healthy, so I experimented with various spices and ingredients. The combination of sweet potatoes and white beans not only creates a comforting texture but also provides a great balance of nutrients. And the best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings!
I discovered that allowing the chili to cook slowly in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Each time I open the lid, I'm greeted with an aromatic blend that's hard to resist. Adding a squeeze of lime right before serving gives it a bright finish that takes the dish to another level of deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and filling; a perfect comfort food
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
- Great for meal prep and tasty as leftovers
The Power of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but incredibly nutritious, providing a rich source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness balances the savory spices in the chili, creating a wonderful depth of flavor. I recommend choosing firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best results; avoid any that have blemishes or soft spots.
When cubing the sweet potatoes, aim for uniform pieces, roughly 1-inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker. If you're short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly, reducing the overall cooking time in the crockpot.
Building Flavor with Spices
Chili powder and cumin are essential in building the rich flavor profile of this dish. I recommend using a quality chili powder blend that contains a mix of spices for added complexity. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or fresh chopped jalapeños to the mix. For an even heartier version, try incorporating smoked paprika, which contributes a lovely smoky flavor without added fat.
Don’t underestimate the importance of seasoning. Always taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. I find that just before serving, adding a bit more lime juice brightens the chili and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious chili:
Chili Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, sour cream
Mix all of these together for a flavorful experience.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your chili:
Prepare Ingredients
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, then chop the onion and garlic. Gather all the necessary ingredients.
Combine in Crockpot
Place the cubed sweet potatoes, white beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
Cook
Set the crockpot on low and let it cook for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Finish and Serve
Once cooked, stir in the lime juice and any additional seasonings to taste. Serve with your choice of toppings.
Enjoy your warm and nourishing chili!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This chili is a fantastic option for meal prep as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, you can portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. When reheating, slowly thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, ensuring it’s steaming hot before serving.
If you find the chili has thickened too much during storage, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid, and give it a good taste—this is a great opportunity to adjust the seasoning again!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili with a variety of toppings to cater to different tastes. Fresh avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream add a creamy texture balancing the chili's spices. Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note that contrasts nicely with the earthiness of the beans and sweet potatoes.
For a complete meal, consider pairing the chili with crusty bread or cornbread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You could also serve it over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice for a hearty option, transforming it into a filling main dish that’s still incredibly nutritious.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, frozen sweet potatoes can be used; just adjust the cooking time if needed.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and can also be gluten-free.
→ What can I pair with this chili?
This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad.
Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili
I’m always on the lookout for hearty yet nutritious meals, and this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili fits the bill perfectly. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that warms you right through. The ease of using a slow cooker means I can set it and forget it, and after a few hours, I’m rewarded with a delicious meal that the whole family loves. Each bowl is filled with vibrant colors and textures, and it makes for fantastic leftovers too!
Created by: Amelia Grant
Recipe Type: Light & Clean Cooking
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Chili Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, sour cream
How-To Steps
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, then chop the onion and garlic. Gather all the necessary ingredients.
Place the cubed sweet potatoes, white beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
Set the crockpot on low and let it cook for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Once cooked, stir in the lime juice and any additional seasonings to taste. Serve with your choice of toppings.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 7g