Discover the comforting and vibrant flavors of our Sweet Potato Chili! This hearty dish combines tender, steaming sweet potatoes with spicy seasonings, providing a healthy alternative to traditional chili while keeping your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a cozy night in or meal prep, your family will love every spoonful!
Budget Information
The total cost for this Sweet Potato Chili recipe is approximately $9.50, making it just $4.75 per serving. This budget-friendly dish offers a fantastic, nutrient-packed meal without breaking the bank!
Why This Recipe Works
This Sweet Potato Chili is a complete triumph mainly because it celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients coming together in a lush and flavorful symphony. The sweet potatoes not only add a lovely sweetness but also lend creaminess and heartiness that mimic more traditional bean-based chili, which makes it satisfying and filling. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the spices to deepen and develop, creating a flavor profile that’s far beyond your average chili. You’ll be amazed at how easily this hearty dish can wow your dinner guests and feed your family deliciously!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes – $3.00
- 1 lb ground chicken (or ground beef, if preferred) – $5.00
- 1 cup chopped onion – $0.80
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – $0.20
- 1 cup chicken broth – $1.00
- 1 Tbsp chili powder – $0.15
- 1 tsp cumin – $0.05
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
- 1 avocado (for garnish) – $1.00
Optional substitutions could include using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or swapping chicken for turkey for a lighter option.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by peeling and dicing your sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. This not only helps them cook faster but ensures they blend seamlessly into the chili’s heartiness. If you’re in the mood for some chopping, the produce aisle is a great place to start, and you’ll love the vibrant colors that brighten your kitchen!
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with that sweet onion aroma that makes your stomach growl in anticipation.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the onions, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it scorch; garlic can turn bitter quickly! This is the moment where your dish is truly beginning to come alive. You might even want to take a quick dance around the kitchen as those heavenly smells swirl around you!
Step 4: Now, introduce the ground chicken to the skillet. Sauté it until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stirring in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika at this stage will allow the spices to bloom and coat the meat beautifully.
Step 5: Once your meat is browned, add the sweet potatoes and pour over the chicken broth, making sure every piece is nestled into the broth for a good simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring it to a boil, then reduce your heat and let it simmer gently for about 3 hours if using a slow cooker, or about 1 hour on the stove, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. During this time, feel free to pop open a good book or enjoy a glass of wine as the aromas continue to engage your senses!
Step 6: When the sweet potatoes are tender, serve the chili hot, garnished generously with fresh avocado slices. Each bite will be a creamy, spicy explosion, making it utterly irresistible. Just look at that bowl of comfort sitting in front of you—pure food bliss!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutrition you’ll find in a serving of this Sweet Potato Chili:
- Calories: 671 kcal
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Total Fats: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 19 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 2294 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (and if you do, consider yourself lucky!), let the chili cool down to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen even more, making it even more delicious. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes—just make sure to give it a good stir halfway through!
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Potato Chili is delicious on its own, but it can be easily transformed with some fantastic toppings. Try adding shredded cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chives will add a refreshing pop, and don’t forget some crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Serve with a slice of warm cornbread for an even heartier meal.
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
To amp up the flavor even more, consider cooking this chili the day before and letting it sit overnight in the fridge. The spices will meld together beautifully! If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s easy to double the recipe—just make sure your slow cooker can accommodate it. Also, feel free to sneak in any other vegetables you love or need to use up, like bell peppers or carrots. This dish is remarkably adaptable!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian? Absolutely! Just swap the ground chicken for a mix of beans, lentils, or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How spicy is this chili? The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. You can scale back on the chili powder or add a kick of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this chili freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Sweet Potato Chili? Cornbread, rice, or a simple salad make excellent accompaniments. There’s no wrong way to pair this deliciousness!
How can I bulk up this chili? You can add more veggies like zucchini, carrots, or even a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking. The more, the merrier!
