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To make a delicious Slow Cooker Beef & Sweet Potato Chili, you need these fresh ingredients: - Ground beef: 1.5 lbs - Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced - Aromatics: 1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic - Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper - Beans and Tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - Liquid: 2 cups beef broth - Spices: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste - Garnish: Fresh cilantro - Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream These ingredients combine to create a warm and hearty dish. Each item plays a key role. The ground beef gives a rich flavor. Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness. The beans and tomatoes add texture and depth. The spices bring the chili to life. You can also customize your toppings based on your taste. First, you need to brown the ground beef. In a large skillet, heat it over medium heat. Cook the beef until it turns brown and no pink shows. This step adds great flavor. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat. Then, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. This keeps the chili lean and tasty. Next, sauté the onion and garlic. Use the same skillet for more flavor. Cook the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. This step builds a strong base for your chili. After this, add them to the slow cooker with the beef. Now it’s time to layer in the sweet potatoes and vegetables. Add the diced sweet potatoes and chopped bell pepper into the slow cooker. Then, toss in the drained black beans and the can of diced tomatoes. Make sure to include their juices. Pour in the beef broth next. This liquid helps the chili cook evenly. Lastly, stir in the spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. Set the slow cooker to low or high. If you choose low, cook for 6-8 hours. For high, cook for 4-5 hours. The sweet potatoes should become nice and tender. This slow cooking lets the flavors blend perfectly. Before serving, check the seasoning. Taste the chili and adjust if needed. This step ensures it has the right flavor. Serve the chili hot and garnish with fresh cilantro. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. This adds creaminess and balances the spice. To boost the taste of your chili, try adding more spices. You can use: - 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat. - 1 teaspoon of oregano for a savory touch. - 1 tablespoon of paprika for a smoky depth. Balancing sweetness is key. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness. To balance this, add a pinch of salt. This will help the flavors pop. You can also squeeze in some lime juice before serving. This adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness. To get sweet potatoes just right, cook them for 6-8 hours on low. If you prefer high heat, 4-5 hours will work too. Check for tenderness with a fork. To avoid a mushy consistency, cut sweet potatoes into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Adding them too early can make them fall apart. Layer them in your slow cooker towards the bottom for a firm texture. Serve your chili with crusty bread or cornbread. This adds a nice crunch and complements the dish. You can also pair it with rice for a filling meal. Get creative with toppings! Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess. Try adding diced avocado or shredded cheese for extra goodness. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for turkey or chicken. This makes a lighter dish. Turkey and chicken will absorb the chili spices well. They add great flavor. If you want a meat-free option, try plant-based meat. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger work well. These options keep the chili hearty and filling. Feel free to add more veggies. Carrots, zucchini, or corn can boost nutrition. You can also use seasonal produce. In fall, try adding butternut squash. In summer, fresh tomatoes or bell peppers shine. The more veggies, the more flavors and textures you get. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. For a milder chili, reduce the chili powder. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance out heat. If you like it hot, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Different chili types can add new flavors too. Try adding chipotle for a smoky kick! After you enjoy your savory slow cooker beef and sweet potato chili, cool it down. Place the leftovers in a shallow container. This helps them cool faster. Use airtight containers to keep the chili fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze chili, let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible from bags. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chili for up to three months. To thaw, place the chili in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, use one of these methods: - Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat. Stir often until hot. - Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for a couple of hours. To keep the flavor and texture, add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems thick. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian! Here are some great substitutions: - Replace ground beef with 1.5 lbs of lentils or plant-based meat. - Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - Add more beans, like kidney beans or pinto beans, for protein. - Increase the number of veggies, like zucchini or corn, for extra flavor and texture. Cooking times for this chili are as follows: - Low setting: 6-8 hours is best for tender sweet potatoes and rich flavors. - High setting: Cook for 4-5 hours if you're short on time but still want great taste. You have many tasty options to pair with this chili: - Serve with warm cornbread for a sweet contrast. - Offer tortilla chips for a crunchy side. - A simple green salad can add freshness and balance. - You might also enjoy it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Absolutely, you can use different beans! Here are some options: - Pinto beans: These add a creamy texture and earthy flavor. - Kidney beans: They bring a firmer bite and hold up well in chili. - Chickpeas: For a unique twist, use chickpeas; they add a nutty taste. Each type of bean will change the chili's flavor slightly, so choose your favorite! This blog post shared a simple chili recipe using ground beef and sweet potatoes. I detailed each step, from preparing the beef to cooking it in a slow cooker. You learned tips for flavor, texture, and variations, plus storage advice. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding. Experiment with ingredients and spices to make the dish your own. Enjoy your chili adventure, and create meals that warm the heart!

Slow Cooker Beef & Sweet Potato Chili

Warm up your evenings with this Sweet Potato & Beef Chili Delight that’s packed with flavor and nutrients! This hearty recipe combines ground beef, sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies for a delicious meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy days, it cooks effortlessly in a slow cooker. Explore the full recipe to savor every bite and create a comforting dish that will surely impress your family. Click to discover how to make this delightful chili today!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs ground beef

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Optional: Greek yogurt or sour cream for topping

Instructions
 

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

    In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add to the slow cooker.

      Add the diced sweet potatoes, chopped bell pepper, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth into the slow cooker.

        Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

          Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.

            Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.

                Prep Time 15 minutes | Total Time 6-8 hours | Servings 6