Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, then you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cold winter days, or any time you crave something warm and satisfying. Imagine walking through your front door after a long day to the delightful aroma of spices and simmering chili wafting through your home. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can focus on what truly matters enjoying a delicious meal with family or friends.

This chili is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also loaded with nutritious ingredients. The combination of lean ground beef and sweet potatoes creates a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates, while the spices add a kick that will keep you coming back for more. Whether served as a main dish or as part of a cozy gathering, this chili is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili:

• Ease of Preparation: Simply brown the beef, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. No need for constant stirring or monitoring!
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of spices, from chili powder to smoked paprika, envelops the chili in a deep, rich flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a wealth of vitamins, while beans provide fiber and protein.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the heat level by modifying the cayenne pepper or adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado.
• Leftovers for Days: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch option.

Not only does this recipe satisfy your taste buds, but it also caters to various dietary preferences. It’s gluten-free, can easily be made dairy-free, and is packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a busy parent or a meal prep enthusiast, this chili checks all the boxes!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying this Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili, consider the following benefits:

• Health Benefits: With lean protein from ground beef and the fiber from sweet potatoes and beans, this chili is a complete meal that supports a healthy lifestyle. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Planning a gathering? This chili is an excellent choice for feeding a crowd, and it can be easily doubled or tripled. Serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a full meal that your guests will love.
• Quick Cleanup: With only one pot to wash, you can enjoy your meal without the stress of a mountain of dishes waiting for you afterward. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with crusty bread, or in a tortilla for a delicious wrap. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its delightful flavors and ease of preparation, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make this delicious Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices

Recommended Utensils

• Large skillet for browning the beef
• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
• Measuring spoons for spices
• Can opener for canned ingredients
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing

With these straightforward ingredients and utensils, you’ll be well on your way to creating a culinary masterpiece right in your kitchen!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now, let’s walk through the steps to create your Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili lean.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is browning, peel and dice the sweet potatoes, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic. Once the beef is ready, transfer it to the slow cooker and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced sweet potatoes.
3. Combine Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chili is done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste your chili and adjust any seasoning as needed. If you want it spicier, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. You can also offer optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.

**Pro Tip:** For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a tablespoon of chocolate to your chili! These ingredients can elevate the taste profile and give it a unique twist.

FAQs

Enjoying a bowl of Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili is more than just a meal it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that brings everyone together. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! If you loved this recipe, check out some of our other delicious offerings like Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder or Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

For more recipes and inspiration, visit our Pinterest page. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili made with lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean ground beef
• 1 Medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 medium Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• 1 cup Beef broth
• to taste Salt and pepper
• for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped
• as desired Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
• In the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced sweet potatoes.
• Add the browned beef to the slow cooker. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili is heated through.
• Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
• Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper. This chili pairs well with cornbread or over rice.

Keyword beef, chili, slow cooker, sweet potato