Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely adore making this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili. With its vibrant flavors and hearty texture, it's the perfect dish for chilly evenings. The combination of sweet potatoes and white beans creates a comforting base, while the spices warm you from the inside out. Plus, tossing everything in the slow cooker means I can set it and forget it. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal with minimal effort, and it keeps me coming back for more!

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:43:09.091Z

When I first tried this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Chili, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious it was. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish that definitely satisfies. I added a touch of smoked paprika to boost the flavor, and I believe it's the secret ingredient that takes this chili to the next level!

Another thing I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify the beans or add in your favorite vegetables. I often use kale or spinach as an extra nutritional boost, and it adds a wonderful color contrast. The best part? The leftovers taste even better the next day!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, comforting flavors that warm you up
Packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes and beans
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup thanks to the crockpot

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Sweet potatoes are the star of this chili, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture. When selecting sweet potatoes, opt for firm, smooth-skinned ones. They will break down beautifully during cooking, melding with the other flavors. The white beans add protein and fiber, making this dish not only filling but also nutritious. You can use canned white beans for convenience, but if you prefer dried beans, just remember to soak and cook them beforehand to ensure they are tender and ready.

The spices in this recipe play a crucial role in elevating the dish. Ground cumin gives a warm, earthy note, while smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. Be sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor; if your spices are more than six months old, consider replacing them. To enhance the flavor profile even further, you might add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or opt for a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for brightness.

Cooking Tips for Success

Using a slow cooker is a fantastic way to develop deep flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen. When cooking on low, I recommend letting it run for the full 6 hours to allow the sweet potatoes to become perfectly tender. If you're pressed for time, cooking on high for 2-3 hours works as well, just keep an eye on the texture of the sweet potatoes. If you're unsure whether they’re done, they should be fork-tender but not mushy.

For the best results, avoid overcooking the corn. Adding it in the last 30 minutes retains its sweetness and bite, creating a lovely contrast to the soft beans and sweet potatoes. If you find yourself with leftovers, this chili stores well in the fridge for up to a week and the flavors actually improve over time. Simply reheat on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious chili!

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Make sure everything is prepared before adding to the crockpot!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chili!

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, white beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Combine in the Crockpot

Transfer the mixture to the crockpot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine.

Cook the Chili

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Add Corn and Serve

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the corn. Once cooked, serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your healthy meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice before serving. It brightens up the dish and complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings to enhance your meal. Consider serving it with freshly diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess, and a sprinkle of cheese for richness. For added crunch, corn tortilla chips or crumbled tortilla strips make excellent garnishes. You can also serve it alongside homemade cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.

If you're hosting a gathering, this chili can be transformed into a hearty chili bar. Set out an array of toppings such as diced jalapeños, chopped red onions, and cilantro. Guests can customize their own bowls, making it interactive and fun. This approach also accommodates different taste preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a serving just the way they like it.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with this chili by adding other vegetables. Diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can add more color and nutritional value. You can also incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking to increase the dish’s health benefits without losing texture. Just be cautious not to overcrowd the crockpot, as this can affect cooking times.

If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding chopped green chilies along with the tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce before serving. Alternatively, for a creamy version, stir in a can of coconut milk during the last hour of cooking for a rich, tropical twist. Adjust seasonings as needed to balance the flavors with each modification.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor.

→ How can I make this vegan?

This recipe is already vegan! Just make sure to use vegetable broth.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this chili freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve it with?

It pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or even a simple green salad.